AFT’s Weingarten on Torlakson’s Announcement on Vergara Appeal (Friday - August 29,2014)

WASHINGTON—Statement from American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on California State Superintendent Tom Torlakson’s announcement that he would ask the state’s

attorney general to seek appellate review in the Vergara v. California case.

"State Superintendent Tom Torlakson gets who teachers are, the challenges they face and the dedication they bring to the classroom each and every day. He understands that teachers need due process to advocate for their kids and take risks, and that true equity in our schools will never be reached until we tackle issues like fair funding, poverty and segregation. That’s why we are grateful, but not surprised, that he announced today that he would ask the attorney general to seek appellate review in the Vergara case. Far too many people, both in California and now in New York, are trying to divide teachers from their students.Torlakson is doing the opposite, and we need more leaders who are going to look at the whole picture and do what’s right, no matter what. We need leaders who will work with legislatures—not just the courts—to fix laws that need mending. We need leaders who will respect teachers. Thank you, Tom, for showing that leadership."