How teachers unions are navigating Biden's decision to drop out
WASHINGTON (CITC) — Teachers unions nationwide are weighing in on President Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection bid, with only some echoing his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden announced in a letter shared to X Sunday he will no longer seek reelection, saying he feels the decision is what's best for the U.S. In a follow-up post, he formally endorsed Harris to replace him as the Democratic Party nominee.Harris later said she was honored to receive the endorsement, adding her intention is "to earn and win" the party's nomination.
Several teachers unions echoed Biden's endorsement Sunday. The executive council of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the nation's second-largest teachers union, passed a resolution backing Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee.
Vice President Harris has fought alongside Joe Biden to deliver historic accomplishments and create a better life for all Americans,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said. “She has a record of fighting for us ... As President Biden said in his endorsement of Kamala Harris, she has his full support to be the Democratic nominee for president. And she has the AFT executive council’s support, too.”AFT delegates gave the resolution their approval at the union's annual convention in Houston Monday.
The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), the union representing most New York City teachers, called Harris "the champion we need to protect and support public education" in its statement.
"She has worked tirelessly on behalf of students and working people, whether that is expanding student debt relief or creating tens of thousands of new, high-paying jobs," UFT wrote. "The UFT is proud to support Harris as an ally of public education and educators, nurses and other unionized workers. She always fights for the people."
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However, the largest U.S. teachers union has yet to publicly support Harris as of midday Monday. The National Education Association (NEA) issued a statement celebrating Biden's legacy Sunday, adding that students' futures "will be shaped by the decisions made in the Oval Office over the next four years." The statement contained no formal endorsement of Harris.
We will renew our efforts to ensure President Biden is succeeded by a leader equally dedicated to building the future our students, educators, and families deserve," NEA wrote. "In the coming days, NEA will engage its leaders to discuss the next steps and ensure the powerful voice of our members is heard in this election.”Harris also has yet to draw public endorsements from the major teachers unions in California, where she previously served as both attorney general and a U.S. senator.
Harris has previously advocated for pay raises for teachers. While running for president during the 2020 election cycle, she proposed increasing the average teacher's salary by $13,500. In May, she reiterated her support for wage increases, saying teachers "dedicate themselves to some of the most noble work any person can do."
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