'Resign immediately' says NEA president to Azar, DeVos

WASHINGTON – National Education Association President Becky Pringle released the following statement in reaction to New York Times reporting that political appointees overruled career scientists in issuing school reopening guidance.

 

“Donald Trump’s disregard for science has already cost 200,000 American lives during this pandemic. Secretaries Alex Azar and Betsy DeVos are accomplices in this malicious incompetence. It is appalling that they have risked the lives of students and educators in running roughshod over the CDC’s apolitical process for providing vital health guidance to the American people. State and local leaders relied on this guidance when they decided to reopen school buildings that are now becoming super spread sites. How many students and educators will we lose to COVID-19 before this administration prioritizes science over partisan politics?

"Bob Woodward’s recent reporting has made plain that these officials have knowingly lied about this deadly pandemic for months in a heinous attempt to boost Trump’s re-election at the expense of the lives and health of Americans. Trump cares more about creating a false sense of economic recovery than he does about protecting American lives. If Azar and DeVos have any moral fortitude, they should resign immediately. Voters will hold Trump accountable.”

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 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.