AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Passing of John Payton

“John Payton was a tireless champion for the simple proposition that we are all equally entitled to pursue the opportunities this country affords.” 

WASHINGTON— Statement of American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on the death of John Payton, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund:

“John Payton was a tireless champion for the simple proposition that we are all equally entitled to pursue the opportunities this country affords. He fought every day to move mountains, open doors and build a nation where each and every one of us has an equal opportunity to achieve the American dream, and where all children have access to a high-quality public education with the resources and support they need to succeed.

“John dedicated his life to building a more just world. His work, his commitment and his belief in that simple proposition benefited all Americans. The AFT extends our deepest condolences to his family and his colleagues.”