Vice President Kamala Harris recently spoke at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Conference, where she outlined her vision for the future of public education in America. Harris, who proudly identifies as a product of public education, emphasized the importance of supporting teachers and education professionals.
During her speech, Harris took aim at the “Project 2025” plan supported by former President Donald Trump and his allies, criticizing their proposed policies as a step backward for the country. She highlighted the Biden administration’s commitment to forgiving student loan debt, particularly for public servants such as teachers. Harris shared the inspiring story of Tanya Cabeza, a Philadelphia teacher whose student loans were forgiven after two decades of payments.
In addition to addressing student debt relief, Harris discussed key policy issues such as protecting the right to organize, defending collective bargaining, and ending union busting. She pledged to sign the PRO Act into law if elected president, emphasizing the importance of workers joining together to advocate for fair treatment.
Harris also touched on pressing concerns facing educators, including book bans, gun violence in schools, and limitations on teaching certain aspects of history. She criticized extremists who seek to restrict the freedom to learn and hinder discussions about the nation’s complete history, referencing the alarming trend of book bans in the year 2024.
The vice president concluded her speech with a powerful call to action, urging AFT members to leverage their voices through voting and civic engagement. Harris reminded the audience that collective action is essential in achieving positive change, declaring, “When we fight, we win.”
Overall, Harris’s address at the AFT Conference underscored her commitment to advancing public education, supporting teachers, and empowering workers to advocate for their rights. As she continues to champion union strength, student debt relief, and the freedom to learn, Harris remains a vocal advocate for progressive policies that prioritize the well-being of educators and students alike.
