
"We stand between a profiteer and his profits," Garcia said. (Photo: Scott Iskowitz NEA/Twitter)
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
"We stand between a profiteer and his profits," Garcia said. (Photo: Scott Iskowitz NEA/Twitter)
In a speech during the National Education Association's (NEA) annual meeting in Boston over the weekend, Lily Eskelsen Garcia--the organization's president--delivered a searing rebuke to President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who she accused of pushing a "profoundly disturbing" agenda that could have devastating effects on children.
"We will not find common ground with an administration that is cruel and callous to our children and their families."
--Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association
Addressing 7,500 educators, Garcia declared that the NEA, the nation's largest labor union, will not cooperate with the White House. She also implicitly criticized union leaders who have been persuaded by Trump's seemingly pro-worker, pro-union rhetoric.
"I will not allow the National Education Association to be used by Donald Trump or Betsy DeVos," Garcia said.
She continued:
I do not trust their motives. I do not believe their alternative facts. I see no reason to assume they will do what is best for our students and their families. There will be no photo-op. We will not find common ground with an administration that is cruel and callous to our children and their families. And I don't just judge them by their words; I judge them by their actions.
Garcia went on to denounce DeVos for making a "career trying to destroy neighborhood public schools, the very cornerstone of what's made our nation so strong."
"We stand between a profiteer and his profits," Garcia said. "They're going to hit us with everything they've got because we are a threat to them. They will try to take away your freedom to organize. They will try to take away your freedom to negotiate with a collective voice. They will try to silence us because when we win, the entire community wins."
Garcia's speech was delivered on the heels of several moves by DeVos and the Trump administration that have deeply alarmed teachers and civil rights groups.
In the face of these developments, Garcia concluded, teachers must be prepared to fight back to rescue public schools from DeVos's right-wing agenda.
"This is not a drill. We will be fearless. We will hold strong," Garcia said. "We will focus on growing even stronger--defending our students, our families, and our communities."
Watch the full speech:
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
In a speech during the National Education Association's (NEA) annual meeting in Boston over the weekend, Lily Eskelsen Garcia--the organization's president--delivered a searing rebuke to President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who she accused of pushing a "profoundly disturbing" agenda that could have devastating effects on children.
"We will not find common ground with an administration that is cruel and callous to our children and their families."
--Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association
Addressing 7,500 educators, Garcia declared that the NEA, the nation's largest labor union, will not cooperate with the White House. She also implicitly criticized union leaders who have been persuaded by Trump's seemingly pro-worker, pro-union rhetoric.
"I will not allow the National Education Association to be used by Donald Trump or Betsy DeVos," Garcia said.
She continued:
I do not trust their motives. I do not believe their alternative facts. I see no reason to assume they will do what is best for our students and their families. There will be no photo-op. We will not find common ground with an administration that is cruel and callous to our children and their families. And I don't just judge them by their words; I judge them by their actions.
Garcia went on to denounce DeVos for making a "career trying to destroy neighborhood public schools, the very cornerstone of what's made our nation so strong."
"We stand between a profiteer and his profits," Garcia said. "They're going to hit us with everything they've got because we are a threat to them. They will try to take away your freedom to organize. They will try to take away your freedom to negotiate with a collective voice. They will try to silence us because when we win, the entire community wins."
Garcia's speech was delivered on the heels of several moves by DeVos and the Trump administration that have deeply alarmed teachers and civil rights groups.
In the face of these developments, Garcia concluded, teachers must be prepared to fight back to rescue public schools from DeVos's right-wing agenda.
"This is not a drill. We will be fearless. We will hold strong," Garcia said. "We will focus on growing even stronger--defending our students, our families, and our communities."
Watch the full speech:
In a speech during the National Education Association's (NEA) annual meeting in Boston over the weekend, Lily Eskelsen Garcia--the organization's president--delivered a searing rebuke to President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who she accused of pushing a "profoundly disturbing" agenda that could have devastating effects on children.
"We will not find common ground with an administration that is cruel and callous to our children and their families."
--Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association
Addressing 7,500 educators, Garcia declared that the NEA, the nation's largest labor union, will not cooperate with the White House. She also implicitly criticized union leaders who have been persuaded by Trump's seemingly pro-worker, pro-union rhetoric.
"I will not allow the National Education Association to be used by Donald Trump or Betsy DeVos," Garcia said.
She continued:
I do not trust their motives. I do not believe their alternative facts. I see no reason to assume they will do what is best for our students and their families. There will be no photo-op. We will not find common ground with an administration that is cruel and callous to our children and their families. And I don't just judge them by their words; I judge them by their actions.
Garcia went on to denounce DeVos for making a "career trying to destroy neighborhood public schools, the very cornerstone of what's made our nation so strong."
"We stand between a profiteer and his profits," Garcia said. "They're going to hit us with everything they've got because we are a threat to them. They will try to take away your freedom to organize. They will try to take away your freedom to negotiate with a collective voice. They will try to silence us because when we win, the entire community wins."
Garcia's speech was delivered on the heels of several moves by DeVos and the Trump administration that have deeply alarmed teachers and civil rights groups.
In the face of these developments, Garcia concluded, teachers must be prepared to fight back to rescue public schools from DeVos's right-wing agenda.
"This is not a drill. We will be fearless. We will hold strong," Garcia said. "We will focus on growing even stronger--defending our students, our families, and our communities."
Watch the full speech: