AFT President Randi Weingarten has expressed concerns following the Senate's confirmation of Linda McMahon as the U.S. Secretary of Education. In a statement, Weingarten highlighted potential disagreements with McMahon, particularly regarding her stance on using public funds for private school vouchers.
"We know we will disagree with Secretary McMahon on a host of issues, including her stance on using public funds for private school vouchers," said Weingarten. She also voiced apprehension about former President Donald Trump's intentions for the Department of Education under McMahon's leadership. "We’re deeply concerned that her boss, Donald Trump, wants her to take a wrecking ball to the Department of Education and this nation’s public schools."
Despite these concerns, Weingarten extended an offer to collaborate with McMahon on initiatives aimed at strengthening public schools and enhancing high school career and technical education and workforce development efforts nationwide. "We want to work with her on strengthening public schools and ramping up high school career and technical education and workforce development efforts across the nation," she said.
Weingarten emphasized the importance of respecting educators in the country who contribute significantly to young people's education daily. "We ask that she respect the hardworking and amazing educators of this country who are helping young people every day."
In closing, Weingarten reiterated a willingness to work together to ensure that public schools remain desirable places for students, educators, and parents alike. "We are extending our hand to work together to ensure that all our public schools are places where parents want to send their kids, educators want to work and kids thrive. That’s our job, and we hope she sees it as her job, too."
The American Federation of Teachers represents 1.8 million members across various educational sectors.
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