John,

I’m about to have a conversation with Jill Biden, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and AFT leaders from around the country on the issues related to reopening schools.

While we planned this virtual roundtable a few weeks ago, Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos’ reckless actions this week have made it even more timely. Joe Biden, Jill Biden and Elizabeth Warren, unlike Trump, want to hear from educators on what we need to reopen schools safely—the issue that’s on the mind of every parent and every educator. I wanted to make sure you know that you can watch it live here at 5 p.m. EDT.

I’ve known Joe Biden, Jill Biden and Elizabeth Warren for a long time. All three of them share our values and are committed partners in our work. Jill Biden and Elizabeth Warren are both educators who have walked our walk. They know first-hand the importance of our work, the care that we take to create safe and welcoming spaces for our students. And they respect that work.

As we look ahead to another school year, many of us are concerned. In our recent nationwide survey, 76 percent of AFT members reported that COVID-19 has had a major impact on their lives. We’re in the middle of a pandemic, and it’s been made worse by a complete lack of American leadership. While other countries have stopped the spread of the virus or even eliminated it, it’s surging out of control in some parts of the United States. Today Americans are facing three crises—racial injustice, an economic recession and a pandemic—yet Trump just divides us, incites hate and pretends the pandemic isn’t happening.

Keeping our students and teachers safe is a top priority. Reopening schools requires a plan and resources. That’s why we are actively working to make sure that the Senate passes the funds we need to reopen safely AND that districts collaborate with educators to meet both educational needs and health and safety best practices.

The fact that, in the middle of this triple crisis, the Biden campaign sees this conversation as critical shows how much they value our voices and our work.

Be sure to watch the roundtable with Jill Biden and Elizabeth Warren today. Click here to watch the livestream at 5 p.m. EDT.

In unity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President