AFT’s Weingarten Celebrates DNC, says AFT Is ‘All In for Harris-Walz’

Press Release

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CHICAGO-AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement after the conclusion of the 2024 Democratic National Convention and Vice President Kamala Harris' acceptance of the party's nomination for president:

"Working families across America were electrified and inspired by the new way forward we heard this week at the Democratic National Convention that elevated freedom, championed the middle class and celebrated cherished American values.

"As I said during my speech to delegates, we are 'all in' for Harris-Walz. The AFT was the first union to endorse Harris because of her vision for the future. Last night, she charted a course to make the promise of America real by creating an 'opportunity economy'. She fully embraces America's role in the world as a country that leads with democracy and fundamental freedoms, and our role at home to protect those freedoms-the freedom to make healthcare decisions about our own bodies, to live safe from gun violence, to love whom we want, to breathe clean air and to vote.

"Educators, not only in the convention hall but throughout America, felt the respect that they deserve and so rarely get. We must strengthen public education, not tear it down. Harris is an advocate for opportunity and the pillars that provide it-unions and public schools. Never underestimate this ticket, including Gov. Tim Walz, a former AFT member and a 'teacher's teacher' who understands that you have to meet students where they are and engage them so they can soar.

"Unlike Donald Trump, who cares only about himself, Harris and Walz have spent their lives fighting for us, to make the promise of America real. As governor, Walz made sure that every child in the state received breakfast and lunch every day. He said while other states were banning books from their schools, Minnesota schools were banishing hunger. That's who Walz is, and that's what public education does.

"The AFT has 1.8 million members-including 600,000 members and their families in battleground states. Between now and Election Day, we'll make sure that our members are mobilized and our voices are heard.

"As the vice president says, we're not going back to the darkness and cruelty of the Trump era. We're charting a new-and kinder-path forward with the Harris-Walz ticket, not just on policy but on who we are as Americans and how we stand up for our values, our neighbors, our co-workers and our communities."

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.