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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2002

News Release

NEA Names Warlene Gary Director of Human and Civil Rights

Washington, D.C.- The National Education Association today announced the selection of its new Director of Human and Civil Rights, NEA veteran Warlene D. Gary.

For 21 years at the Association, Gary has distinguished herself as a manager with an exceptional talent for collaboration with diverse communities and leadership on behalf of NEA's mission of making every public school great for every child.

Most recently, Gary served as NEA Manager of Parent and Community Outreach, through which she was instrumental in developing and implementing dozens of parental involvement initiatives in partnership with NEA affiliates. Notably, Gary developed and led the Family-School-Community Partnership program, which has successfully created rapport and support between schools and families in thousands of communities of color.

Gary previously served as Manager of Inter-Governmental Relations, Associate Director of Government Relations, and Associate Director of Human and Civil Rights. She began her career as a teacher of disabled and disadvantaged students in Washington, D.C., and trained scores of teachers of children with special needs.

"I could not be more pleased to welcome Warlene to our executive team," NEA Executive Director John Wilson said. "Her wealth of experience in education policy and advocacy, combined with her passion for the value of diversity and commitment to NEA, make her the absolute, ideal person for this position. I know that Warlene will lead the Human and Civil Rights Department to its utmost potential."

NEA's Human and Civil Rights Department, with a staff of 24, is responsible for programs that promote equity and combat discrimination. The staff networks with local, state, and national organizations and trains NEA affiliates to work against any form of intolerance. Gary, who has assumed her new position, says she is ready for the new challenge. "A safe, harassment-free environment is as critical to learning as the latest technology or a quality teacher," Gary said. "Respect for human and civil rights provides the bedrock for opportunity that our students need to achieve. Education is at its best when it embraces differences, releasing energy and building cohesion."

Prior to joining NEA, Gary worked for Lynda Johnson Robb on the President's Advisory Committee for Women and as a professional associate at the Council of Chief State School Officers.

A native Washingtonian, Gary received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health from D.C. Teacher's College and a Masters of Education in Special Education at Howard University. Gary lives in Silver Spring, MD, near her two adult daughters, one of whom is a public school teacher in Maryland.

NOTE: Email Dfigueroa@nea.org for b/w or color jpeg photos.

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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.