ICYMI: Union bullies shut down discussion on education

By Krista Carney
Earlier this week, a Politico article discussed how teachers’ unions bullied Democratic presidential candidates to persuade them not to participate in AFC and The Seventy Four’s second Education Summit – a forum to discuss our nation’s education system and possible reforms.
Our education system is failing too many students, and it is important to open up a dialogue on ways we can solve issues with the system and make a real difference in the lives of students especially heading into the 2016 election cycle. This forum would have provided the opportunity for the public to hear solutions from thought leaders from the Democratic Party.
Just yesterday Kevin P. Chavous and The Seventy Four’s Campbell Brown released a joint op-ed criticizing how Democrat candidates will only talk education with union leaders behind closed doors – not letting the public in on their thoughts for reform and change.

“Rather than risk having Democratic candidates speak about education reform, perhaps celebrate the teachers unions’ positions or perhaps break with the teachers unions (both the NEA and AFT have endorsed Secretary Clinton), the unions maneuvered behind the scenes to actively discourage candidates from participating.
This form of bullying is anti-democratic. It diminishes the free engagement of ideas—just as the President said, with those you agree with but perhaps equally important, with those you disagree with.
The teachers unions active attempt to undercut an event sponsored by two organizations dedicated to education reform and a highly respected newspaper perhaps says more about the AFT’s and NEA’s weakness than their strength.”

Click here for the full article: http://bit.ly/1WPZjFZ.
There is so much that needs to be done to help every single child in our country access a quality education. While there are many differing opinions on how to accomplish this goal, we need to exchange ideas and platforms so we can do what is best for students and help them succeed.
In case you missed it, be sure to check out video from the first Education Summit that took place in New Hampshire earlier this year featuring Republican speakers: http://bit.ly/1Likfjp.