Statement

NEA President Reg Weaver
Responds to Remarks
by Secretary Rod Paige

Education Secretary Rod Paige is wrong about the National Education Association.

We have heard from thousands of teachers and educators who came home from working in their schools on Monday only to hear themselves and their professional organization referred to as "terrorists" by the top federal education official.

Our members say that once again this national leader has insulted them, this time beyond repair, with words filled with hatred -- and merely because they raised legitimate concerns about the president's so-called "No Child Left Behind" law.

Our members remain dedicated to improving education for the millions of children in our public schools. We will continue to insist on fixing the law's inadequate funding and unworkable rules that stand in the way of a quality education for all children.

Our members say they deserve more than unfair labels and mean-spirited apologies. The administration must be made to understand the gravity of the charge leveled at 2.7 million patriotic American citizens.

And our members say that if the Bush administration cannot work with the public school employees who educate these children every day, then it is time to find new leadership who can.

Our members are the NEA, and on behalf of them, I ask President Bush to express his regret to the nation's educators and demand that Secretary Paige step down.

February 24, 2004

For more information:
NEA Public Relations, 202 822-7268

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.