In a passionate address Friday, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten told delegates, “We have a fight on our hands.”
Weingarten highlighted the work AFT and NYSUT are doing to fight for public schools that are safe and welcoming for all; for academic freedom; for dignified retirements; for an economy that benefits all; and for equitable access to healthcare. And she praised educators for the work they are doing in classrooms every day to teach reason, critical thinking, and honest history, and to build hope over fear.
“You are a critical part of our communities that fights to protect our kids, our schools and our democracy.”
Weingarten congratulated recent, hard-fought union victories – specifically applauding the NYSUT-backed executive proposal for bell-to-bell restrictions on cellphones in schools as revolutionary.