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Lakia Wilson Lumpkins panel representative

DFT Goes International

President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins is a participant in the Canadian Educational Press Association, which took place in Windsor, Ontario. This cross-border panel  discussed fighting back against right-wing hate and attacks on public education.

retirees enjoy BBQ lunch

Giddy Up! at the Retirees Annual Picnic

The retirees chapter of the DFT enjoyed the afternoon with a BBQ, a cornhole tournament, raffles, and of course, dancing to "Boots on the Ground". The retirees also received swag from the DFT Office.

mayoral candidates for Detroit

Mayoral Candidates Address DFT

Thank you to these mayoral candidates who spoke to members at the June General Membership Meeting: Sauteel Jenkins, John Barlow, and Todd Perkins. Candidates spoke about their campaign and DPSCD.

anthony wayne society

DFT and the Anthony Wayne Society

The DFT is pleased to be recognized as a charter society for the Anthony Wayne Society for establishing the DFT Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Wayne State University and encouraging donations.

"No Kings Day" is Saturday, June 14

No Kings Day June 14

Stand in solidarity with union members across the country as we come together this Saturday, June 14, for a national day of action and mass mobilization.

In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.  We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts. They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.

A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.

📌📌📌Search here for an event near you: AFT Action: No Kings Events

DFT Election Results for Merger and Bylaws

The DFT Election Committee announces the results of the balloting for these two questions:

Question 1:  Shall Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals merge with Detroit Federation of Teachers into one union to be known as the Detroit Federation of Teachers, with all assets, liabilities, rights, and responsibilities combined under one governing body?

  • 493 Yes — I vote to approve the merger of DFT and DFP.
  • 115 No — I vote to reject the proposed merger of DFT and DFP.

Question 2: Do you accept the Bylaw changes as approved by the Executive Board?

  • 537  Yes
  • 64    No

Click Here for the Survey Monkey Final Results Document.

Officers for DFT 231Retirees 2025-2026

The following have been elected to leadership roles in the retirees chapter. Congratulations to all!

President                          Victor Gibson

Vice-President                  Cynthia Pearson Matthew

Secretary                          Gracie Wooten

Treasurer                          Mary Helen D'Angelo

Social Vice President       Lois Lofton-Doniver

Contact State House Speaker Matt Hall Today!

From Our Community Partner: Michigan Education Justice Coalition:

We are in the midst of a state budget emergency. Speaker Rep. Matt Hall and the Michigan House of Representatives are delaying the state budget process to go beyond the June 30th deadline. The possibility of them passing a state-wide budget is bleak, which means our schools will be unable to set their own local budgets. Because of this, schools may face staff lay-offs, delays in providing essential services, and other chaos.

This is NOT normal! We need to resist this attempt to keep resources away from our kids. Last time we sent letters to Matt Hall, 750 people blasted his inbox and got him to release a public statement. What would happen if we sent him, Sen. Brinks, Rep. Kelly, Rep. Bollin, and Sen. Anthony 1,000 emails? 2,000? We just might be able to save public ed funding in Michigan. Send your email today.

Let's be honest, we're all sick of this nonsense. Help us FIX school funding in Michigan by signing up to collect petitions for a huge ballot initiative we’re starting in July. The proposal? Tax the rich at a slightly higher rate and use the resulting money (about a billion extra dollars) to use exclusively Michigan public school funding. Want to learn more? Use the sign up below, and we’ll get you involved.

DFT Local 231 Paraprofessional Merger Resolution

The DFT has prepared this resolution that would allow for members of the Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals, Local 2350, to be merged with Local 231. Attached is the resolution presented to members at the May 2025 General Membership Meeting: Resolution to Represent Paraprofessional Members.

Solidarity Wednesdays Starts April 23, 2025

Solidarity Wednesdays wear red for ed

SOLIDARITY WEDNESDAYS 

We are asking for members to wear "Red for Ed" on Wednesdays until the end of the school year. Let's demonstrate that we are saying "Hands Off! Our Union", Hands Off! Public Education", "Hands Off! Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", "Hands Off! Social Security, Medicare, Veterans' Benefits" and the list goes on and on. Be sure to take some photos of DFT members in red and send them to our Communications Specialist at VBonacci@dft231.com. Let's show Detroit's pride in solidarity!