Ageism Is Anti-Union: Why Aqeel Williams’s Mocking of UFT Retiree Delegates Should Alarm Us All

In his recent blog post in Education Notes, Norm Scott highlighted a troubling incident involving Aqeel Williams, the UFT District 9 Unity Caucus Representative, who reportedly mocked retiree delegates with ageist memes in a group chat during a Delegate Assembly (DA). This incident might seem trivial at first, but it points to a larger issue within the United Federation of Teachers (UFT): an increasingly hostile stance toward retirees, a group who have given decades to this union and to New York City students. Ageism has no place in our union—or in any union for that matter. This incident serves as yet another indication of how disconnected UFT leadership has become from the rank and file.

Ageism isn’t just offensive; it’s fundamentally anti-union. Unions are built on solidarity and the understanding that every member, regardless of age or experience, brings invaluable contributions to the table. By mocking retirees, Williams undermines the very foundation of unionism: respect and unity among members. The retirees in question are not only dues-paying members but also educators who have dedicated years to our schools, our students, and the fight for fairer treatment and better conditions for all of us. For these members to be dismissed as “feeble” or ridiculed because of their age is not only unprofessional but a betrayal of the union values that should bind us together.

Williams is also a member of the UFT Election Committee, a position that requires impartiality, professionalism, and respect for all members. How can retirees—who make up a significant portion of UFT membership—have confidence in his role if he’s demonstrated such a dismissive attitude toward them? This is a matter of integrity and accountability, and UFT leadership’s silence on this incident only heightens the sense of division within our union.

This isn’t the first time Unity Caucus has failed to stand up for the rank and file. For years, we’ve seen a widening disconnect between UFT leadership and the everyday educators who work tirelessly in classrooms and beyond. Retirees, who have the benefit of experience and historical perspective, have increasingly become vocal advocates at DAs. They are some of our most engaged members, using their knowledge and time to ensure that the union remains accountable to the membership. But rather than welcoming these contributions, leadership seems almost fearful, as if these retirees threaten their hold on power.

Retirees have become essential voices in the UFT’s internal democracy, speaking truth to power and calling for reforms that reflect the needs of active and retired educators alike. Mocking them with ageist memes is an attempt to belittle and silence their contributions. Leadership’s failure to address this behavior reflects a troubling lack of solidarity with the very members they claim to represent.

This incident with Aqeel Williams highlights why the UFT urgently needs new leadership. The current leadership’s refusal to condemn these ageist actions sends a message that their priorities lie not with the values of mutual respect, professionalism, and solidarity but with maintaining power at any cost. The lack of action signals to members that leadership either condones or is indifferent to this divisive behavior—neither of which are acceptable.

The fact that Williams was “on the clock” and being paid with union dues while engaging in this behavior further emphasizes the issue. UFT members pay dues to support representatives who advocate for us, not to mock or disrespect fellow union members. With contract negotiations on the horizon and critical fights ahead, we need leadership that represents the professionalism, strength, and unity of the entire union, not just a select few.

Unions are only as strong as their unity, and that unity is jeopardized when segments of our membership—such as retirees—are treated with contempt. It’s time to push for a UFT that recognizes the value and wisdom of all its members, young and old, active and retired. Mockery and division weaken our ability to stand together, especially as we prepare for challenging negotiations and the continuing fight for public education. We need leaders who will uplift all members, who understand the stakes of our work, and who respect the rights and contributions of every educator who has fought and continues to fight for the next generation.

A call for new leadership isn’t just a reaction to one incident—it’s a call for a fundamental shift in how we respect and value each other within our union. Ageism has no place in the UFT, and our future depends on making sure that every member, regardless of age, is respected, supported, and represented. It’s time for leadership that embodies the values that define us as a union.