NEA President Becky Pringle on President Biden’s Departure

Upon President Joe Biden's announcement that he will depart the presidential race, National Education Association President Becky Pringle released the following statement:

"Joe Biden has been an extraordinary president and public servant who has dedicated his life and career to lifting up middle class families, students, and educators and making our nation more just and more fair.

"Over the last four years, President Biden has distinguished himself as the most pro-public education, pro-union president in history as educators have partnered with President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris to help ensure every student has access to the resources and learning opportunities needed to thrive. President Biden delivered for educators and students by expanding access to school meals for 5 million students, investing in student mental health, and providing student debt relief for millions of educators and working families. 

"We celebrate President Biden's legacy and will be forever grateful for his leadership, and we respect his decision. Educators understand what is at stake in this election. Our students' futures will be shaped by the decisions made in the Oval Office over the next four years, and the future of our public schools, freedoms, and democracy is on the ballot this fall. 

"Educators know that Donald Trump is a convicted felon who only cares about himself. Educators and parents have done their homework and are seeing how Trump's Project 2025 roadmap will slash funding for students in public schools, gut programs to help special education students, remove civil rights enforcement, and do real harm to students and families. We know that Trump is the same man who entrusted Betsy DeVos, the least qualified Secretary of Education in history, to dismantle our public schools. We know that Trump wants educators to pay more in taxes than billionaires, ban books, take learning opportunities away from students, and eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. And rather than doing anything to keep students and educators safe from gun violence, Trump just tells us to 'get over it.' 

"That is why the 3-million-strong National Education Association will not be silent. 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. 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."

Follow on X, formerly known as Twitter, at@NEATodayand @BeckyPringle

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.

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