On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D welcomed Christina Harb, an educator and organizer with the CalSTRS Divest campaign, and veteran teacher and activist Andrea Pritchett for an in-depth conversation about a growing statewide movement urging the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) to divest from investments that campaign organizers say are tied to Israel’s war in Gaza. The discussion explored the intersection of education, ethics, labor organizing, public pensions, and political accountability while encouraging educators and community members to become more active in shaping how billions of dollars in retirement funds are invested.
Harb explained that the campaign began after educators researched CalSTRS’ investment portfolio and discovered holdings in companies they believe are connected to military operations and surveillance technologies. She said the effort quickly grew from a resolution passed by the Berkeley Federation of Teachers into a statewide campaign involving educators from across California. “We’re asking CalSTRS to stop making a million teachers and beneficiaries complicit in the genocide of Gaza and in warfare in general,” Harb said. She also argued that the pension fund has previously divested from industries such as tobacco, private prisons, firearms, and apartheid South Africa, demonstrating that ethical investment decisions are possible.
Throughout the interview, Davey D challenged his guests to examine the broader political landscape, pointing to battles over ethnic studies, free speech, and legislation that critics argue discourages open discussion of Palestine. He questioned why so many public officials and institutions appear reluctant to confront the issue despite growing public concern. Andrea Pritchett acknowledged the difficult political climate, describing efforts by educators to speak out while navigating institutional barriers, legal constraints, and public pressure. She also stressed that teachers deserve greater input into how their retirement funds are invested, calling for elected officials and future governors to appoint board members who prioritize ethical responsibility.
The conversation ultimately focused on the importance of sustained grassroots organizing. Harb argued that meaningful change requires moving beyond symbolic statements toward structural reforms. “We need masses of people to be loud… to make people feel empowered to do the right thing,” she said. She urged supporters to sign petitions, contact CalSTRS board members, educate themselves about the fund’s investments, and attend the upcoming CalSTRS board meeting in Millbrae. Pritchett closed by highlighting concerns over companies like Palantir and encouraging listeners to engage in future elections that will shape the composition of the CalSTRS board and California’s broader education leadership. Davey D concluded by emphasizing that lasting change depends on informed communities willing to organize, hold public officials accountable, and participate in civic action.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.
