“I’m just here for teachers’ rights,” she said.

Vasquez joined hundreds who marched as part of New York’s ongoing Freedom Rally, a constellation of organizations in opposition to the vaccine mandate, which requires the Department of Education’s roughly 3,000 remaining unvaccinated teachers to have received at least one dose of the vaccine to remain active employees of the city. 

“I love my job. This is so upsetting to me that I’ve dedicated so much of my life – you know, I’m a devoted teacher,” said Vasquez. “Now they’re saying I can’t work unless I get vaccinated.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio estimated that 8,000 of the DOE’s nearly 150,000 school-based employees are out of compliance as of this morning. Vasquez, who teaches at P.S. 372 and has over 20 years of classroom experience, believes she should be able to use her sick and personal days to remain on payroll, since she claims to only use either in extreme circumstances. As of Monday, she’s on unpaid leave. 

Early last month, an independent arbitrator ruled that New York City teachers with qualified medical or religious exemptions must either be offered non-classroom assignments, a severance package, or be placed on unpaid leave that continues to provide them healthcare coverage. 

“I feel like if we’re practicing all these safety protocols, then the teachers will be fine,” said Vasquez. “It’s the children that are getting Covid, so I feel like it should be up to me. I’d rather get it and develop my own antibodies than have what they call a vaccine.” 

Last Friday, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor declined to hear an attempt to block New York City’s vaccine mandate, giving the city the green light to require employees to have received one Covid-19 vaccination dose by 5 p.m.

By the end of the day Monday, 95% of full time employees had received at least one shot, including 96% of teachers and 99% of principals. Since the mayor’s mandate was announced in August, 43,000 injections have been administered, including 18,000 in the past 10 days. The United Federation of Teachers (U.F.T.) announced on Monday that a 1,000 teachers had been vaccinated over the weekend to remain on the district’s payroll. 

While the city claims to have thousands of substitute teachers and paraprofessionals waiting in the wings to supplant employees, many, including the U.F.T., are highly skeptical that the plan in place will adequately address their absence. U.F.T. estimates that two-thirds of public schools could face disruptions resulting from staff shortages. 

Garrett Ramirez is a paraprofessional with Energy Tech High School in Queens and a member of the steering committee for Teachers for Choice, an organization in opposition to New York City’s vaccine mandate. With 15 years of experience, Ramirez can understand why some of his peers are capitulating to the city’s mandate, though he would only consider getting vaccinated after clinical trials conclude near the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023.  

“Unfortunately, some teachers are being coerced, some of them are caving in, in order to preserve their jobs and income for their families,” said Ramirez. 

With appearances from Founder Michael Kane on outlets such as Fox News and a petition with a running total of 52,000 signatories,Teachers for Choice is bolstering support and digging in their heels. A restraining order was filed yesterday morning in the ongoing Kane vs de Blasio in an effort to stop the vaccine mandate from being implemented. 

Kane vs de Blasio, originally filed in federal court on September 21, challenges the Department of Education’s mandate as ‘immoral and illegal.’ The lawsuit claims that the mandate violates fundamental constitutional rights by ‘discriminating on the basis of religion and medical status’ and ‘places unconstitutional conditions of employment.’ 

“They’ve (the D.O.E.) denied almost all the religious exemptions and all, almost all of the medical exemptions,” said Ramirez, who was denied a religious exemption himself. “Religious exemptions are supposed to be based upon personal religious convictions, not upon an established church. It actually violates the establishment clause in the first amendment to apply that criteria.”

Ramirez plans to apply for a medical exemption next, this time seekling to qualify as having natural immunity.  

“The science of natural immunity is kind of overwhelming,” said Ramirez, noting a peer-reviewed article from the British Medical Journal and research by Johns Hopkins surgical oncologist Dr. Marty Makary as evidence. “I have recovered from Covid-19, I’ve tested positive for antibodies twice. Antibodies are only the tip of the iceberg as far as natural immunity goes.”

While much is still unknown about the durability of either vaccine or natural immunity, a study released in August from CDC found that vaccination offers higher protection than previous Covid-19 infection, noting that the unvaccinated have 2.34 times the odds of reinfection as the vaccinated. Dr. Makary’s colleague, the infectious disease expert Dr. Anna Durbin, cited research from Johns Hopkins Center for Immunization Research that estimated those odds even higher, at 2.5 times as likely for reinfection. 

And while New York City remains an area at ‘high risk of transmission’ with an average of 1,662 cases per day over the last week, city data available for the year through the end of August shows remarkably strong protection for the vaccinated. Just 0.33% vaccinated individuals have contracted the virus and 96.9% of those hospitalized were unvaccinated at the time of their hospitalization.  

Ramirez is optimistic that Kane vs De Blasio will prove the vaccine mandates are unconstitutional. He is considering all his options, like transitioning to virtual teaching or moving out of the city. 

“At the end of the day, these mandates are really intimidation tactics,” said Ramirez. “It’s an act of psychological terrorism, frankly. I’m not going to succumb to it, and I don’t think that anyone should.”

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Judith K. Canepa chained to the tree in the City Hall Park. The protest is a demand for City Council Speaker Corey Johnson to hold an oversight hearing on ESCR. September 28, 2021. Photo by Nikol Mudrová.

A  small group of neighborhood activists walked into City Hall Park  stopped by one tree in front of the City Hall building and two  women,  Jmac,  who did not want her full name used and Judith K. Canepa, hugged the tree, locked their arms into tubes around the trunk, and started their protest. 

“We’re going to stay here until the hearing is settled or until someone takes us away,” Canepa said.

She lives two blocks from the East River Park and said she  is going to be personally affected if the city moves forward with the ESCR.

The New York City Council wants to build flood control in the Lower East Side. And according to ESCR, the current East River Park should be destroyed and rebuilt all over again on a landfill, which would elevate the ground by eight feet. 

But originally, the city wanted to put flood protection between the main road and park while containing the park basically as it is now. 

NYC Council’s reasoning behind why they switched plans in 2019. Graphics taken from the January 23, 2019 NYC Council Hearing presentation. Provided by Megan Moriarty Press Officer, NYC Parks.

“We want the independent oversight to open the truth for everybody,” said Aresh Javadi, an artist, educator, and one of the leading members of the East River Park Action.

The only person who can set such a hearing is City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who  they are unable to reach, Javadi said.

They held up a sign that read  “Corey, schedule the oversight hearing on ESCR now.” They said they are in City Hall Park so Johnson can see Canepa and Jmac chained on the tree from his office. 

East River Park Action members demanding an oversight hearing from the City Council Speaker Corey Johnson in front of the City Hall. Photo by Nikol Mudrová

According to Javadi, the group filed the Freedom of Information Act request (FOIA) to see the new plan, but after their lawyers obtained it, the majority of it was blackened.

“If it’s a good plan, you don’t cover 90 percent of it,” he said. “Now it just seems they chose the plan that costs more money, not the one that has the best interest for the community or the park.”

The independent oversight would clear up some unknowns and bring transparency to the project, activists believe. 

“There should be eight to 10 feet of fill, ok. What kind of fill?” Canepa asked as an example of an unanswered question. “Where is the fill coming from? How do New York City expect to do the project in five years when we’ve never, never done anything on time? How long would we have to live without a park and with more pollution then?” 

Meanwhile, policemen stopped by to check what was going on. 

“They didn’t pressure us or threaten us,” Canepa said. “One of them had a smile on his face and told me, he was just concerned and wanted to make sure we’re ok.”

 Hours later, they got a response from the mayor’s office. Manhattan Borough Director Andrew Kunkes promised they would set up a meeting with the speaker’s department.  

But Johnson still did not reply to the activists’. Kunkes also did not provide any additional information. 

 As the two women  remained chained to the tree the protesters gathered around a nearby chess table  to brainstorm the next steps.

“We’re probably going to do more direct action in the park itself. I mean… October is here, we don’t have more time,” said  protestor Eileen Myles, a poet, and writer from the Lower East Side.

Eileen Myles brainstorming the next East River Park Action’s steps in the City Hall Park. Photo by Nikol Mudrová

They said the city  would start cutting down the trees in East River Park in October. 

Roughly ten hours  after the protest began  the two women unchained themselves and it  was over. Since an  oversight hearing was not guaranteed the protesters will meet at East River Park to discuss next steps in the fight.

The post Activists chain themselves to the tree to save East River Park appeared first on Pavement Pieces.

A demonstrator sells “I loved NY” T-shirts at the World Wide Rally For Freedom in Times Square. Photo by Annie Iezzi

Outside the Times Square precinct of the NYPD yesterday, hundreds of protesters gathered to chant their new version of the pledge of allegiance.  

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to its Constitution, upon which our free republic stands, one nation, under god, free from tyranny, with liberty and justice for all,” they said in unison.

The phrases: “and to its Constitution,” as well as, “free from tyranny,” are additions made in explicit protest to COVID-19 restrictions in the United States. Protesters rejected mask mandates, as made clear by the absence of masks in the crowd. They were also opposed to the requirement that NYC patrons of indoor dining and fitness facilities display vaccine cards, which they refer to as “Totalitarian Vaccine Passports” and “Movement Licenses.” 

Many identified their opposition to vaccine mandates in the workplace as their reason for protesting.

Laesha Mezerra, on her lunch break from Mt. Sinai, and Robinson Bias, carrying a Dominican flag, march during the World Wide Rally for Freedom. Photo by Annie Iezzi

Laesha Mezarra, a nurse at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, joined the demonstration on her lunch break, a decision she made because she will receive her termination letter for refusing vaccination tomorrow. 

“We were here for the pandemic,” she said, “We were working. I don’t want the vaccine because I’m scared.”

According to the NYC Health website, the unvaccinated in New York City accounted for 96.1% of all COVID-19 cases between January 17 and August 17, and in the same time period, accounted for 93.7% of COVID-19 related deaths. 

Protesters disagreed, many cheering when one megaphoned person said that “thousands” of people who have died from receiving the vaccine were erroneously documented as dying of COVID-19.

On September 8, the United States passed the milestone of more than 675,000 COVID-19 deaths, and the following day, President Biden announced a vaccine mandate to curb the spread that included more than 100,000 Americans working in governmentally funded organizations.

This protest, called New York’s Freedom Rally, wasn’t a solely American one. It was a subset of an international movement named The World Wide Rally For Freedom.

 This movement, also known as the World Wide Demonstration, occurred in more than 40 countries and 150 cities around the world, according to the group’s website. There, they list “5 Important Freedoms,” as the protest’s targets for safeguarding: the freedoms of speech, movement, choice, assembly, and health.

 Videos and photos from Cape Town, Montpellier, Exeter, Hiroshima, Brisbane and more flooded the Twitter hashtag #WeWillALLBeThere,” some depicting scenes of clashes with law enforcement. 

You can’t beat Aussie spirit!#WeWillALLBeThere #FreeAustralia pic.twitter.com/SJbdcdrOYm

— The Altruistic Capitalist (@kimchi2613) September 18, 2021

The protest in New York remained peaceful, with demonstrators waving flags gathering in Columbus Circle at 1:00pm, before marching down Broadway to 42nd street and into Times Square. Alongside them rode a bicyclist with both hands outstretched in a double-thumbs-down gesture, yelling ,“Wear a mask!”

 While they walked, advocates handed out stickers that read “Fear is the Real Virus,” and “Don’t Sacrifice Your Children to Science.” Many informational flyers, pamphlets, and signs co-opted the slogans of women’s movements, with “My Body, My Choice,” and “Coercion is Not Consent,” featuring prominently on their pages. Protesters said they did not agree with the pro-choice affiliations of those slogans.

Pastor Andy Woodward of Providence, a reformed Baptist church on East 62nd Street, passed out information to demonstrators who may be seeking to mitigate their fear with faith. The flyers incorporated rebuttals to COVID-19 restrictions, as well as other right-wing talking points.

 “Tired of woke churches? You’re invited to PBC,” read the informational card in bold letters. The handout displayed a list of “No’s,” including, no “mask/vax mandates”, no “critical race theory,” and no “skin-color based guilt.” Underneath, it detailed “Yes’s,” among them “biblical preaching,” “conservative theology,” and “serious discipleship.”

 “You shouldn’t be forced to take it [the vaccine],” Woodard said. “If there’s a risk, you should have a choice in making an informed decision about that risk.”

Pole dancer at the World Wide Rally for Freedom with her “I’m My Own Shot Caller” sign. Photo by Annie Iezzi

 This sentiment was repeated often from the stage at the end of the protest route. There, former Rockette Heather Bereman was the emcee for the stationary portion of the event. She led the crowd in a rendition of “Do You Hear the People Sing” from Les Misérable, before introducing the event’s several musical performers. The booing of passersby was almost drowned out by their singing.

 Fist pumping musicians rapped about the overreach of the government, the uprising of the people, the importance of personal liberties, and in one case, the need for the people to arm themselves against a tyrannical government. Other singers performed more instrumental pieces about seeking human love in today’s world of isolation spurred by COVID-19 and the ensuing government restrictions.

 Amid the protesters bouncing and swaying to the music or distributing self-produced informational flyers, Jennifer Rivera stood alongside a stand-alone pole, of the pole dancing variety.

 Rivera, the CEO and owner of Pole2Pole Fitness, nodded her head as she spoke.

“I’m here because I’m against the mandates,” she said. “My place of business will not comply with the mandates that people show vaccine records…Pole dancing is perfect for this movement because we are the rebels of fitness.”

The post Preachers, Pole Dancers, and Protesters rally against vaccine mandates at New York’s Freedom Rally appeared first on Pavement Pieces.

This podcast was edited by  Paola Michelle Ortiz, hosted by Sughnen  Yongo-Okochi and reported by Paola Michelle Ortiz, Michelle Diaz and Kaity Assaf.

The post Despite Chauvin’s guilty verdict, activists will not stop fighting for justice appeared first on Pavement Pieces.

Despite pressure from the public for months following Taylor’s shooting, an EMT shot dead as she slept in her bed during a botched warrant execution, all but one officer is being charged—and not for murder.

The charges against Louisville police officer Brett Hankison that killed Taylor are not for the bullets that hit her, but those that missed.

Hankison is being charged with “wanton endangerment” for firing rounds into a neighbors apartment. It is the lowest-level felony issuable, and if found guilty, he faces a maximum of five years in prison.

This is what the streets looked like in New York City.

Protestors gather outside the Plaza Hotel, September 23, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge

Protestors gather at 5th Avenue, 59th Street. September 23, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge

A vehicle passenger raises their fist in solidarity with demonstrators. September 23, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge

Police pass outdoor diners during a march for Breonna Taylor, September 23, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge

Protestors pass outdoor diners, September 23, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge

Firefighters of New York Engine Company 33 observe the demonstration from their firehouse, September 23, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge

Demonstrators march down Broadway, September 23, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge

Protestors march over the Williamsburg Bridge, September 23, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge

The post New Yorkers peacefully protest the grand jury verdict in the Breonna Taylor case appeared first on Pavement Pieces.

Demonstrators places signs around the Monument of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, a former slave owner. Photo by Bessie Liu

One of the many organizers of Unite NY 2020 gathers the crowd. Photo by Bessie Liu

A police officer sits in his car observing protestors from a distance. Photo by Bessie Liu

Various organized groups gather at Washington Square Park. Photo by Bessie Liu

Protestors gather in Washington Square Park. Photo by Bessie Liu

Photographer asks demonstrator to pose for a photograph at the protest. Photo by Bessie Liu

Crowd leaves Washington Square Park. Photo by Bessie Liu

Demonstrator holds up artistic sign. Photo by Bessie Liu

Bystanders watch and film the protestors. Photo by Bessie Liu

Demonstrators march across the Brooklyn Bridge. Photo by Bessie Liu

Protestor uses a fire extinguisher as the crowd behind dances and cheers. Photo by Bessie Liu

Demonstrators stop in the middle of the Brooklyn bridge and begins to dance. Photo by Bessie Liu

Signs at the July 4 Protests. Photo by Bessie Liu

Demonstrators gather at DUMBO, their final stop. Photo by Bessie Liu

 

 

The post Protests continue on Independence Day appeared first on Pavement Pieces.

The meeting was held virtually in an online video conference. Thirty-two city officials favored the package and 17 disapproved.  But the package falls short a few billion from the anticipated $95.3 billion before COVID-19.

“With all these challenges we still found a way to get to a budget that again focuses on your health, your safety, putting food on your table, making sure you have a roof over your head,” de Blasio said. 

The budget was announced as demonstrators camped in City Hall Park for the past week. They demanded the defunding of police after weeks of protests over the death of George Floyds and others killed in the hands of law enforcement. And demonstrators were not happy with the approved package.

.@NYCMayor + @CoreyinNYC‘s budget proposal is a loss and LIE to the people of NYC.

These proposed “cuts” to NYPD’s budget are an illusion. @NYCCouncil, your sham is NOT good enough. We are watching. #DefundTheNYPD

— Maya (@politicalmaya) June 30, 2020

According to De Blasio, the budget focused on values and placed $37.5 million in the expansion of healthcare, $113 million in Covid-19 clinics and $450 million towards feeding New Yorkers. 

“It’s also about change,it’s also about progress. It is about ensuring  that we act in the spirit of social justice. I hear the voices all over the city calling for justice,” de Blasio said.

The police cut included canceling July’s officer recruitment of 1163 officers, $296 million dollar overtime reductions and a reduction in contracts and non-personnel expenses. Crossing guards and homeless outreach will no longer be part of NYPD responsibilities. The next recruitment of officers is scheduled for October.

“We have to keep the city safe, we have to protect the levels of patrol strength throughout our communities and we have to make sure that we are really doing something to refocus resources on young people and communities hardest hit,” de Blasio said.

Approximately $430 million in cuts to policing was set to be moved towards summer youth programing, education and family and social services. $537 million from the NYPD Capital program will be shifted to NYCHA broadband expansion and youth recreation centers. 

“This is real distribution, this is taking resources and putting them where they’re needed most with particular focus on young people,” de Blasio said.

New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson was one of the votes in favor of the package. 

The Mayor and I started this process FAR apart on shrinking the NYPD’s budget and footprint and bringing transformational change to the department.

The Council fought hard to get where we are, but I know this is just a starting point, not an ending point. We need to go farther. https://t.co/aW8TmiBe42

— NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) July 1, 2020

But some  New Yorkers were disappointed by his vote and the decisions made. 

Corey the people of your city asked, called, occupied, & pleaded with you to firmly cut $1 billion from the NYPD budget. You simply did not. You cowered. This was a budget meeting. We asked you to cut NYPD’s budget. We did not ask for “transformational change”. You failed us. https://t.co/rOyRWslxtD

— MJ (@themaicy) July 1, 2020

The speaker just lost my vote. This is not a real measure to defund the NYPD. No headcount reduction, bullshit promises on overtime, and a funding transfer. Did you even try? https://t.co/GRHF8fRYZD

— Eric Buth (@ericbuth) July 1, 2020

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