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Teachers union president tells board educators will protect students under Elliott-Larsen Act
Summary
Dr. Anthony Penek, president of the teachers union, told the Battle Creek Public Schools board during public comment that educators will protect students consistent with law, including protections under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 2023.
Dr. Anthony Penek, president of the teachers union, used the public-comment period at the Jan. 27 Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education meeting to tell the board and the community that educators will protect students in accordance with state and federal law.
"We will do everything we can to protect all of our students in accordance with law," Penek said, noting that educators have taken an oath "to support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the state of Michigan" and that the oath has been part of Michigan practice since 1935 under PA 23 of 1935. He said employees also agree to follow district policies "so long as they do not contradict our collective bargaining agreements."
Penek specifically referenced the amended Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 2023 and said the law's protected classes include, he said, "race, religion, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, marital status, and familial status." He said recent media reports from other districts had caused "angst and worry" among students and staff, but that local educators "know what to do" to protect students.
Penek addressed his remarks to Superintendent Carter and Board President Bobby Fulbright and said the statement was for the broader community of parents, students and staff. His comments were made during the board's public-comment period; the board did not respond during that time.
No formal board action or vote followed from Penek's public remarks.
Discussion/next steps: The remarks were received for the record during public comment; the board did not provide immediate response or direction during the meeting segment.
