In a fiery call to action, National Education Association President Becky Pringle brought delegates to their feet as she challenged activists to stand up for educational, racial and social justice.
“We must reclaim public education as a common good, and transform it into something it was never designed to be: racially and socially just — and equitable,” she said.
She said NYSUT and its members set the standard for activism throughout the nation but there is much work ahead. She urged delegates to work tirelessly to elect officials who care about our schools — from the school board to the statehouse to federal government.
“It’s seven months until mid-terms. That’s not a lot of time,” she said. “We need to elect candidates who understand the right to vote is sacred … that we need to transform public education so it works for all students… We cannot wait.”
Pringle said it’s time to let Dr. King’s words guide us with passion and purpose. “It’s time for us to live up to the poetry of the first three words of the constitution,” Pringle said. “It is ‘We the People.’ All of us. EVERY one of us. We will do this together!”