We will continue to organize as the Trump admin acts with reckless impunity
Last Saturday, President Trump illegally sent a team in to kidnap the president of Venenzula, without a declaration of war from Congress, and with little concern that a war might break out and endanger the lives of millions. He was upfront that his actions were about securing Venezuelan oil, not about the welfare of the Venezuelan people. His administration then went on to further threaten an invasion of Greenland, with the president later saying he is bound only by ‘my own morality,’ not international law.
Days later in Minneapolis, a federal ICE agent tragically killed an unarmed woman named Renee Nicole Good during an immigration raid. Despite clear video evidence to the contrary, Trump and his administration justified the killing of Good as an act of self defense by the officer. In a statement, CFT President Jeff President called for the officer to be charged with murder, and reiterated CFT’s position calling for the abolishing of ICE.
Hours after the ICE agent killed Ms. Good, U.S. Border Patrol officers violently raided Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, coming on school property during dismissal, tackling people, handcuffing two staff members, and releasing chemical weapons on bystanders. And the following day, Border Patrol agents in Portland, OR shot and wounded two people during a traffic stop.
Our hearts are with the family and friends of Ms. Good, the school community of Roosevelt High School, those shot in Portland, and the immigrant communities being terrorized daily by ICE in Minneapolis and across the country. In light of these actions we are even more resolved to organize here in our own schools and communities, to prepare for these types of attacks from the Trump administration, and to work with our immigrant communities, who continue to be terrorized by ICE.
Many of us have joined vigils and actions to denounce the brazen lawless actions, and this weekend there are peaceful demonstrations planned around the country. If you are looking for something nearby to attend, there are many
ICE Out for Good actions with local Indivisible groups and
events sponsored by the May Day Strong partners – these rapid response actions are happening this weekend, Jan. 10 and 11.
Register now for CFT’s Jan. 23 online governor candidates forum
On Friday, January 23 from 1:45-4:45 p.m., CFT will host an online forum featuring the major candidates for Governor of California. The structure of the forum will follow the same format as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction forum we hosted last fall, with CFT President Jeff Freitas interviewing the candidates one on one.
All CFT members are encouraged to register now for the online forum. Following the event, there will be an opportunity for you to provide feedback on each of the candidates. Note: For those attending in person the AFT regional meeting that weekend, there is no need to register for the event.
Governor Newsom releases January budget proposal and calls for drastic changes to SPI position
With stronger revenue projections, today Governor Newsom’s office unveiled a state budget proposal that includes largely stable funding for Prop. 98 and public education, including a 2.41% COLA for TK-12 schools and community colleges and honoring the 5% increase for the UC system as per his compact agreement with the university. The governor is also keeping his previous commitments to community schools, and to funding healthcare for part-time community college faculty.
Also this week, Governor Newsom announced his proposal to radically change the duties and responsibilities of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) position, removing the constitutional officer’s oversight of the California Department of Education and moving those responsibilities over to a position appointed by the governor.
The SPI position is a vital role that provides independent oversight of California schools. We have deep concerns about this proposed change and feel this will make this new position accountable to the governor’s office, not voters and parents.
Save the Date – March in March set for March 12
Be a part of the statewide movement calling for affordable, accessible, high-quality higher education! Join CFT and the California March In March coalition of higher education students, faculty, staff, and community allies on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as we march to the State Capitol.
Learn more and register here.
