Bill ending collective bargaining for Gary teachers is unconstitutional, racist

Gov. Eric Holcomb extolled Indiana’s economy in his State of the

State address on Tuesday, but he paid little attention to power grabs by the Republican supermajority. Especially in Gary where his Republican party is staging a coup, takeover, or whatever you want to call it. Through House Bill 1187, Holcomb’s party is double teaming our city by disenfranchising voters and calling for an appointed school board in addition to eliminating our teachers’ union, AFT Local 4!

Not only is HB1187 unconstitutional and racist in its intent, since we have been the only city targeted for this level of animosity, but it comes at a time when we were in the planning stages of reassuming local control over our school district. The last five years have been disastrous, academic performance has plummeted and students and parents alike have been disrespected under Emergency Management.

We know why this stealth action has taken place. Had Rep. Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, taken a moment to say to Gary legislators “We want to take away your voice and your vote,” the answer would have been a loud and clear, “Not in your lifetime!”

We are not taking this lightly. In fact, we are fired up and have been taking action ever since the “bill” was filed.

Since that time, thousands of people have joined the protest. The Gary City Council stands opposed as is the entire state legislative delegation. The Urban League and the NAACP are on board. Citizens have been and will travel to Indianapolis even during a COVID surge. The teachers’ union has made alliances with all the major industrial and public unions in the area. Everyone sees what this is and has stepped up on our side.

And thousands of phone calls and emails have been made since the filing.

Gov. Holcomb should not support this bill or any other that takes away our right to vote or be represented by a union.

He claims he is enhancing the quality of life for Hoosiers, “… revitalizing and connecting our communities across the state …” The latest figures show that Indiana ranks #45 in Quality of Life and #50 as the least healthy state in the union.

This assault on our democracy must stop. Gary and its allies will fight to the finish for justice. We will not be dictated to. We will be respected. NO to 1187!