March 10, 2022

PHILADELPHIA—"As the landmark education lawsuit draws to a close, I am immensely grateful to the tremendous work and dedication of the plaintiffs, activists, and attorneys who have never wavered in their unrelenting pursuit of education justice.

"Throughout this case, attorneys from the Education Law Center and Public Interest Law Center have done a remarkable job illustrating, point by point, the inherent inequity in Pennsylvania's system of school funding. Further, from parents to educators to students, witness after witness offered compelling, heart-wrenching testimony on the

March 10, 2022

In response to Councilmember Gym's introduction of legislation to eliminate all lead in school drinking water by the expansion of hydration stations, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:

PHILADELPHIA—"With the introduction of an ordinance requiring hydration stations with modern point-of-use filtration in every school, City Council today took an important step forward in addressing the ongoing facilities crisis that has impacted our school communities for far too long.

"The ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Gym and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Bass

This week, we saw the sickening escalation of anti-trans legislation in both Texas and Alabama, as well as the horrid "Don't Say Gay" bill advancing in Florida. These laws seek to codify inhumanity into law. In Pennsylvania, when Philadelphia Representative Martina White introduced an anti-trans sports ban on our youth, we vehemently opposed the bill and will continue to do just that. We saw a similar bill pass in South Dakota just a few weeks ago, and we know that the efforts of Rep. White and her allies are part of a national pattern of hate-fueled legislation that is profoundly unjust and

Resources for Staff and Students

• NCTSN: For students impacted by this trauma, explore the resources offered by the National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network. 
• Health Advocate: We have shared with you that Health Advocate, the new, free benefit from PFTHW offers a host of services for you and your families. Those services include helping you to access mental health resources (including trauma resources). Health Advocate is here to assist. 
• AFT Trauma Counseling: This free AFT benefit can provide help and healing for our members, whenever needed, wherever a member may be.
• SDP EAP (Employee