Beloved Educator Battling Cancer; Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Report

Power of Ten Update

In this issue:

  1. Beloved Educator Battling Cancer
  2. Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Report

1) Beloved Educator Battling Cancer

Former Assistant Superintendent for East Ramapo Pedro Santana has been diagnosed with a very serious form of cancer and is fighting for his life.  The main thing which makes Pedro so loved by students and the whole community, in my opinion, is his infectious positive attitude and his vibrant iconoclastic spirit.  His attitude towards his illness is a perfect example: he says “this is just another chapter in my book”.

Pedro’s friends and family invite you to “join us to celebrate a man’s challenges through life’s journey” at the Nyack Center, 58 Depew Avenue in Nyack, this Friday, October 11, at 8:00 PM.  There is a $20.00 suggested donation.

2) Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Report

Judge Cathy Seibel has denied requests to dismiss our civil rights lawsuit. Two dozen East Ramapo parents and activists went to the hearing in White Plains on Sept. 30th and listened to Judge Seibel read her decision for almost 3 hours.

News 12: Judge allows lawsuit against East Ramapo School District to move forward

Because of Judge Seibel’s decision, the lawsuit will move forward and we are one step closer to getting justice for our school children.

Lohud: Judge allows key claims against East Ramapo officials, but dismisses some

The district has been wasting hundreds of thousands of your education tax dollars to try to squash our lawsuit.  We are represented by a non-profit, public advocacy law firm. Despite limited resources, they are unfaltering in their commitment to our children.  However, it is not possible to bring a claim of this magnitude without spending money. It has been generous donations from people like you which has enabled us to get this far.

I am asking you today to make a contribution to Advocates for Justice that will help us to hold accountable those who are most responsible for the destruction of East Ramapo.

Please go to www.poweroften.us and make a donation today.  All donations are tax deductible.

Thank you,

Steven White, editor