Teachers Saving Children® Inc. of Ohio
Press Release
May 1, 1993
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Teachers Saving Children® Inc. of Ohio | |
Press Release
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May 1, 1993, Columbus, Ohio. Several delegates to the Ohio Education Association (OEA) Representative Assembly held in Columbus on April 30 - May 1 expressed disappointment concerning OEA's position on abortion.
A survey conducted by teachers in four school districts indicated that approximately 90% of teacher respondents agreed that the OEA should take no position on abortion. However, at the Friday Representative Assembly, delegates voted to retain the abortion language of Resolution I-3 referring to "reproductive freedom". Resolution I-3 paragraph 2 states:
When the Resolution Commission members were questioned as to the definition of "reproductive freedom", it was confirmed that the definition does include abortion. In further questioning, it was stated that OEA would lobby against any legislation that would infringe on the right to reproductive freedom. OEA lobbyists serve as "watchdogs" on legislative issues and are paid through OEA membership dues.
Delegates were open to debating both sides of the issue. Several delegates expressed concern regarding the divisiveness of the issue within the OEA. The motion failed on a voice vote to delete paragraph 2 of Resolution I-3. When compared to previous RA's, there was increased vocal support to eliminate this divisive issue from the OEA Resolution document.
Some of the delegates and observers who attended the RA are members of Teachers Saving Children® (TSC), an organization of pro-life teachers of Ohio and other concerned citizens committed to establishing among professional educators' organizations a respect for all human life from conception to natural death. These delegates state that OEA, which is a state affiliate of NEA (the largest democratic body in the nation), advocates abortion and that this endorsement mocks our heritage of dedicated teachers who care for children. It is the height of foolishness to condone or support the practice (abortion) which eliminates the very people, the very client...that our profession is supposed to serve. If any group would defend the unborn, it should be teachers!
As the Executive Director of TSC, Connie Bancroft of Damascus, OH, talks with many teachers and school employees across the state and finds that TSC is not without support. "We would encourage OEA to continue the endorsement of educational resolutions, but yet refrain from non-educational resolution which would dilute the effectiveness of the representation of students and teachers. There is hope through the increased support shown at the Spring OEA-RA that the delegates will soon begin to represent the rank and file and eliminate the endorsement of abortion."
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