NEA president: Trump’s hateful actions undermine our core values as a nation

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Friday signed an Executive Order banning Muslims and refugees from seven countries. The order, rooted in hate, resulted in chaos and confusion for people based simply on where they are from and what they might believe.

The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Lily Eskelsen García:

“Donald Trump’s Muslim and refugee ban is a deliberate and coordinated attack on our core values as Americans and on those who come to our country seeking safety, freedom, and opportunity and, in the process, make America a better country. These are our students, our friends, our families, our colleagues, and our neighbors.

“Trump’s directive—a Muslim ban—is a clear violation of our Constitutional principles of freedom of religion and equal protection under the law.

“Educators oppose these ill-conceived, hateful actions because they are a drastic departure from our core American values. We don’t teach hate, we do not tell people how to pray, and we do not ban people based on their religion. Period.

“As the Trump administration threatens our values and our way of life, we will double-down on our efforts to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable citizens.

“We are stronger when we come together as Americans and weaker when we let fear and lack of understanding and familiarity come between us. We join the growing chorus of voices speaking up and standing up against Trump’s hateful actions. We’re watching. The world is watching.”