This week we celebrate and start the important work of rebuilding
The inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris this Wednesday has brought hope back to so many who for years have lived in fear and uncertainty. In his remarks President Biden called for national unity – Not on the terms where we forget what happened over the last four years, but instead a unity based on dignity, respect, and justice for all people. Though gently delivered, his remarks were a fierce call to protect and uphold our democracy during one of our nation’s darkest hours.
We are especially proud of Vice President Kamala Harris and her historic inauguration as the nation’s first female Vice President, the first Black Vice President, and the first South Asian Vice President. For so many young women and people of color, seeing Kamala on the world’s biggest stage taking the oath of office has shown that we are indeed moving forward as a society. That barriers are being broken and old ways are being left behind.
But Kamala is much more than just a symbol. She is a smart, fierce fighter and her experience and leadership will be crucial to ensure that the Biden administration is successful.
One of the highlights of the inauguration was the poem that was recited by Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman. Her words brought tears to millions of eyes across the country for their brilliance, their resilience, and for their hope. We hope that you got a chance to view her incredible recitation of the poem and to share it with your students in your classrooms.
We are happy to report that Joe Biden has already gotten off to a great start in his presidency – including rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, and immediately starting the important work of a coordinated federal response to the pandemic.
But the work is just getting started.
One of the most important things we can do right now is to urge Congress to get behind President Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus plan, which focuses on direct payments to most Americans, increasing the federal unemployment benefit, extending eviction and foreclosure moratoriums, and aid to state and local governments, including schools.
First Lady Jill Biden honors educators and school staff
In her first official event as First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden honored educators and classified professionals across the country yesterday in an online event with AFT President Randi Weingarten and NEA President Becky Pringle.
“I couldn't wait one more day to have this meeting,” said First Lady Biden during the event, “because I have never felt prouder of our profession. In this pandemic, educators have shown heroic commitment to their students.”
It means so much to have an educator in the White House, and the thanks from Dr. Biden during these difficult times really does show how the Biden administration respects and will listen to those doing the work in our schools. Educators and classified professionals will now have a seat at the table to discuss policy instead of being left out of the room.
A recording of the event is available on the official White House YouTube page.
Watch CFT President Jeff Freitas's Up Front broadcast
Today on his weekly Up Front broadcast CFT President Jeff Freitas shares his thoughts on the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Watch on CFT’s Facebook page or on CFT’s YouTube page.
