NEA President on the State of the Union: “Trump isn’t listening to families or educators and he’s recycling the same failed agenda.”

WASHINGTON — NEA President Becky Pringle released the following statement reacting to Donald Trump’s State of the Union address:  

“Every student — no matter where they live, their background, or the color of their skin — deserves the resources and support they need to thrive. In communities nationwide, parents and educators work together to keep public schools safe and welcoming so students can be themselves while gaining the knowledge and life skills needed to reach their full potential. 

“Instead of offering a serious plan to support students and strengthen public education, tonight’s speech was filled with finger-pointing, scapegoating, and political theater. Donald Trump isn’t listening to families or educators and he’s recycling the same failed agenda.  

“Educators and parents are witnessing the fallout of ICE actions firsthand: anxious students, empty desks, and classrooms disrupted by fear as ICE assaults and detains educators and students on and around school grounds. Students cannot learn while living under constant threat. Instead of committing to keep ICE out of our schools, hospitals, and places of worship, Trump promised to continue the attacks on our public schools and communities, and disinvestment in our students. 

"Trump's continued efforts to dismantle public education are making it harder for students to get the services they need. By diverting resources from the public schools that serve 90 percent of students in this country — including 95 percent of those with disabilities — to unaccountable private schools, he is ignoring parents and educators who are calling for stronger support and greater investment in our students. And Trump’s record on education has become so unpopular that he could not even bring himself to defend it tonight. 

“And that same pattern showed up when he focused on the economy. While working families are struggling to afford groceries, housing, and other basic necessities, Trump once again recycled the same failed economic playbook that helped fuel today’s affordability crisis. There were no new solutions, just the same old politics repackaged. 

“Educators, parents, and community leaders will continue to organize, mobilize, and take action to secure the strong public schools our students deserve and the stable, thriving communities working families need.” 

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, health care workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.