AFT on Vergara vs. California Case Appeal

WASHINGTON—Statement by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on Vergara vs. California case appeal:

“It is profoundly disappointing, but not the least bit surprising, that the funders of this case decided to petition to take their unnecessary and misguided fight all the way to the California Supreme Court. The facts in this case, affirmed by the appellate court, remain the same—many school districts use the law effectively. As the court concluded, it is not the law that is the problem, but poor practices by local administrators. And it’s still true that the only way we will make sure kids receive a great public education is by recruiting, retaining and supporting teachers, not by scapegoating and demonizing them and stripping them of their voice.
 
“The funders of this case can’t have it both ways. They can’t fight statewide ballot initiatives that will provide more resources for the most disadvantaged students, while simultaneously arguing that those same students are disadvantaged by a lack of classroom support. The best way to help kids reach their full potential is by providing them with the services and resources to succeed, not by denying them essential programs.
 
“The truth remains that you can’t fire your way to a better public education system. We will continue to fight for high-quality public schools that provide equality of opportunity for every student. Spending millions of dollars to attack teachers through the courts is not the way to invest in resilient schools that allow all children to flourish and reach their full potential.”