Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Calls On Governor Shapiro to Reject Trump Voucher Scheme

PHILADELPHIA (September 29, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg:

“Today's bombshell reporting by ProPublica reveals the absurdly low bar for opening and operating private schools in the United States. Private schools are free to set their own rules and qualifications, and should not be eligible for public funds intended for public education.

"More than three months after the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association jointly urged Democratic governors to reject a massive effort to pour federal dollars into private and religious organizations at the expense of public school students, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers again calls on Governor Shapiro to definitively opt out of the Trump Administration's scheme. 

"We appreciate the care and deliberation regularly shown by Governor Shapiro's administration. But as ProPublica and other accountability reporting has repeatedly demonstrated, private school vouchers enrich institutions that discriminate against vulnerable kids, siphon funds away from the 90 percent of students enrolled in public schools, and produce poor and racially disparate academic outcomes. 

"The Trump Administration has already pulled critical resources away from students with disabilities and students harmed by discrimination. Public schools are required by law to admit all students, including those who require costly and individualized support. Meanwhile, districts across the Commonwealth are confronting uncontrolled costs for special education.  It would be unconscionable to buy into a program that further depletes resources from special education and civil rights enforcement.  

"New regulations announcement by the Trump Administration this week further reveal their true intentions. Opting in requires state governments to relinquish authority and oversight of participating scholarship organizations and schools. Private and religious institutions that regularly expel or reject students with special needs and disabilities should not be further enriched with public funds.

"The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers calls on Governor Shapiro to reject the federal voucher scheme, and keep fighting alongside public school educators to protect and support vulnerable students that the Trump administration seeks to isolate and discard."