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HALIFAX The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is turning up the heat on the Halifax Regional School Board over its unacceptable attitude towards racism in its schools.

Last month, the School Board axed a program that combats racism and sent off pink slips to 16 student support workers who promote tolerance and understanding in the classroom. Wendell Thomas, one of the affected workers and a member of CUPE Local 108, will be talking about racism in our schools when he addresses the Halifax Regional Council later today.

At the end of the day, the ugly monster called racism has to be dealt with, says Thomas. These councillors are partners in education. If the School Board wont deal with the issue of race relations, than its up to Council to take on that responsibility.

Two weeks ago, the student support workers, together with the educational program assistants and library technicians and assistants, convinced Council to tie additional supplementary funding they approved for the School Board to rehiring 400 instructional support workers who recently received layoff notices. But rather than taking the steps necessary to rehire these laid off workers, the Board has ignored councils decision.

Wendell Thomas will be making his presentation to Council at:

* WHEN:

Today at 2:00 p.m.

* WHERE:

City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax

In support of these educational support workers, CUPE 108 will be holding two rallies today. The first at City Hall at 2:00 p.m. and the second at the School Board Office at:

* WHEN:

Today at 6:00 p.m.

* WHERE:

Halifax Regional School Board Office

90 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth

For more information please contact:

Larry Power at 455-4180,

Gary Beaman at 454-6369

OPEIU491