Hawaii State Teachers’ Union Clamps Down on Teacher Dissension

by Laura Brown

“In order to maintain pride and dignity in our profession, we teachers must continually strive to uphold our responsibilities to enhance and protect our rights in the classroom, in the educational system, and in the community at large.”
–Forward, Hawaii State Teachers’ Association, Bylaws 2009

Though an admirable goal, Hawaii public school teachers say this lofty statement does not include a provision to protect teachers from their own union. Concerned teachers believe they now need protection, because delegates to the April 2009 HSTA Convention approved bylaw amendments that take away members’ right to counsel during the grievance process…