NEA President: The Biden-Harris Ticket Is “Dream Team” For Public Education And Students

WASHINGTON - August 11, 2020 - The National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen García released the following statement celebrating Vice President Joe Biden’s historic pick of Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate today:

“Simply put, the Biden-Harris ticket is the ‘Dream Team’ for our public schools and our students—one that respects educators and will listen to those who know the names of the kids in the classrooms when it comes to deciding what is best for our students.

“Educators know Joe Biden is a tireless advocate for public education and is the partner who students and educators need in the White House. Now, with Kamala Harris as Biden’s running mate, we have another proven leader who will continue being a champion for our students and public schools. And, with Dr. Jill Biden, an educator and longtime NEA member, as First Lady, educators will have a friend and colleague in the White House.

“Biden’s historic selection of Sen. Harris reinforces the empathic leadership and strength of character on the ticket and adds a deeply capable governing partner to help unite the nation and clean up the mess that Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos created.

“Biden’s selection of Harris further reinforces his commitment to building an administration that looks like America, one that will reflect the great diversity of our country and work to unite our country and build a better future for all Americans.

“Over her career, Harris has been a champion for our public school students, parents, and educators. She has fought to expand access to early childhood education, pressed to end funding disparities between schools, and advocated that every educator have the respect and resources they need to support all students.

“On Day One of the Biden-Harris Administration, Joe Biden has promised to fire Betsy DeVos and replace her with someone who has experience in the classroom.

“The Biden-Harris ticket will lead our nation past the COVID-19 pandemic, working scientists and doctors to guide public health decisions and listening to educators and parents on how best to support our students during and coming out of these tough times.

“The Biden-Harris Administration will build our economy back better than before this crisis so it works for all Americans, knowing that even before the pandemic too many Americans struggled to pay their bills. Their economic recovery plan leads with equity, knowing that for far too long Black and brown Americans have been shut out or held back simply because of the color of their skin.

“Biden-Harris Administration will invest in our public schools and our students—expanding educational opportunities for all our students from pre-kindergarten to graduate school and beyond.

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are committed to fighting for racial and social justice, eliminating school funding gaps between white and non-white districts, and restoring civil rights enforcement.”