Far-Left Teachers Union Boss Randi Weingarten To Join Council To Advise Homeland Security
Teachers union leader Randi Weingarten has been appointed to the Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council, as announced by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Weingarten currently serves as the president of the American Federation of Teachers, an organization known for advocating stringent school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic and overwhelmingly supporting Democratic candidates. Comprised of 30 members, the academic council acts in an advisory capacity to DHS, providing insights on school safety and research priorities.
Mayorkas expressed his belief that leaders in academia possess valuable expertise in countering evolving threats to national security. He stated that the council's strategic research, innovation, career development, and partnership opportunities would assist the Department in safeguarding the American people and preparing for future threats.
Weingarten's appointment joins the ranks of 19 others chosen by Mayorkas, predominantly individuals holding academic leadership positions. Examples include Alberto M. Carvalho, the Los Angeles School Superintendent, and Miriam Feldblum, Executive Director of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. In addition to addressing school safety concerns, the council will focus on developing career opportunities to support a modernized DHS workforce, as stated in a DHS press release.
The American Federation of Teachers, led by Weingarten, has consistently provided strong support for President Joe Biden. They endorsed him during the 2020 election and reaffirmed their endorsement for his potential re-election in 2024. Weingarten has praised Biden as the most pro-union president the nation has ever had and has dismissed concerns about his age, emphasizing his vitality.
Conservative voices have swiftly criticized the selection of Weingarten for this role. Senator Rick Scott of Florida expressed his disapproval, asserting that she is ill-suited to advise on school safety, particularly considering the challenges parents faced due to school closures. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed this sentiment, deeming the appointment an insult to parents who endured the consequences of closed schools.
Revealed text messages from the Fairfax Parents Association show Weingarten engaging in a conversation with former CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, advocating for stricter school restrictions. On February 11, 2021, Weingarten informed Walensky about leaked information from The New York Times regarding the CDC's forthcoming guidance, expressing concern about potential discrepancies with their previous discussions. Following Weingarten's complaint, the CDC seemingly modified its guidelines, allowing certain schools to continue remote learning for an extended period.
