PITTSBURG, CA — She was a recent human rights award winner. Now she is wishing death upon the former President of the United States.
Vanessa Yava, a nonbinary teacher at Rancho Medanos Junior High in the Pittsburg Unified School District, is facing severe backlash for a controversial comment made in the aftermath of a failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident, which took place last Saturday, resulted in injuries to Trump, the death of a retired firefighter, and injuries to two other attendees at the rally.
She was the 2023 California Teachers Association human rights award winner.
Yava expressed regret that the assassination attempt was not successful, stating they were “very sad that the bullet missed.” This comment, which was posted on Facebook, has sparked widespread outrage and has raised questions about the appropriateness of such statements by educators.
The school district has not yet released a statement addressing Yava’s comments or any potential disciplinary actions that may be taken. The situation highlights the ongoing polarized political climate in the United States and the challenges it poses in maintaining respectful discourse, especially within educational environments.
“Vanessa Yava is Hopi, Navajo and Tewa on her father’s side, and her Native roots have always been a big part of her identity. Because of her father’s alcoholism, her parents divorced and Yava was raised by her mother. Yet her Native culture, tribal involvement and Indian education were a constant,” the CTEA said. “She has been active in the Bay Area Native community for years. Prior to her current position teaching science to 7th graders (and previously math and art), Yava was the coordinator for the Native American Studies Program for Fremont Unified School District and worked with Native children to improve their academic skills, with an emphasis on Native culture and identity.”
As the controversy continues, many are calling for the school district to take a clear stance on the matter. Meanwhile, discussions about the responsibilities and conduct of educators in the public eye are intensifying, reflecting broader societal tensions.
