May is Teachers Appreciation Month, John. This is a special celebration to me because way back at the beginning of my career before I was in Congress, I was a history teacher at Charleston public schools.

As a former teacher, I deeply believe the old adage, “Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”

That’s why it’s important that we foster safe, open, and equitable classrooms where our children can learn freely. And it’s why we must ensure our teachers are equipped with the resources they need to create those spaces for our children. 

Unfortunately, John, classrooms have become a political target for the right’s culture wars.

Book bans. Censoring history. Prohibiting trans kids from playing school sports. These are the things Republicans -- at the state level and in Congress -- are focused on. They are diversions meant to outrage and divide us as a country. 

We shouldn’t be running from our history or diversity. We should be focusing on addressing the real challenges facing teachers and students: gun violence. Access to broadband. Student debt.

We should be making it easier -- not harder -- for teachers to do their jobs. If you agree, John, add your name and show your support for teachers and share what a good education has meant to you.

Thank you,

Jim