Press | Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Shameful School Code Legislation

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6-25-21

PHILADELPHIA—This afternoon, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued an updated legislative memo in response to the woefully inadequate "School Code" bill under consideration in Harrisburg.

President Jordan wrote, in part, "The PFT is deeply disappointed and concerned about the myriad failures in the current school code bill (SB381 A02135). This bill is, quite simply, shameful."

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Arrests in Harrisburg Civil Disobedience

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PHILADELPHIA—"I thank and commend the brave leaders--Councilmember Helen Gym, Bishop Dwayne Royster, and all of the faith leaders of POWER--for their unequivocal and unrelenting determination in fighting for equitable education funding. MORE

PFT Issues Report on School Facilities: Scope and Solutions

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE.

5-10-21

PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers today issued a report outlining an updated scope of the facilities crisis along with urgently needed solutions.

The toxic schools crisis in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth is emblematic of just how profoundly the deep seated, systemically racist underfunding of our schools has impacted our students.

Our young people, the majority of whom are Black and brown and experiencing poverty, have had to endure conditions that would never, ever be tolerated in wealthier, whiter school districts.

Conditions

PFT President Jerry Jordan on the Police Killing of Adam Toledo

PHILADELPHIA—"Adam Toledo was thirteen years old. A seventh grade boy with his hands in the air, shot dead by police. Adam should be alive today.

"Watching Adam lay there motionless, while responders referred to him as 'little man' was simply too much to bear. I'm sick and tired of Black and brown lives being viewed as expendable.

"It's hard to continue to even find the words to express my outrage. Our union will always remain deeply committed to the fight for racial justice and equity."

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PFT President Jerry Jordan on the Conviction of Derek Chauvin

PHILADELPHIA—"Black Lives Matter. Today's verdict is an important step towards justice for George Floyd and a step forward in repairing a deeply broken system. I commend the prosecution, the brave witnesses, and the jurors for their work in seeking justice for George Floyd.

"George Floyd was murdered in cold blood at the hands of former police officers Derek Chauvin and his accomplices. And for that, we've mourned and we've protested. And we will continue to do so--because no matter the verdict, Mr. Floyd is still gone, and his family still wakes up each day without their beloved father, son, partner, friend.

PFT President Jerry Jordan on the Police Killing of Daunte Wright

PHILADELPHIA—"I am disgusted, enraged, heartbroken, and unfortunately not surprised that another Black man's life was stolen at the hands of police. Daunte Wright should be alive today.

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Closure of Gideon Building Due to COVID-19

PHILADELPHIA—"We continue to emphasize the importance of an ongoing, trackable database of positive COVID-19 cases in buildings, and have made this ask of the District. The temporary closure of Gideon Elementary's building is the right decision because it will help stop the spread of this virus--but it is very troubling. This is the second closure of a school building in just a few short weeks." MORE

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Change in CDC Guidance on Social Distancing for Elementary Students

"This union has always followed the science in our recommendations and requirements around COVID mitigation. That was true yesterday and remains true today. We look forward to reviewing the studies that led to the change in the CDC guidance regarding social distancing regulations.

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Georgia Shootings and Rise in Anti-AAPI Violence

PHILADELPHIA—"My heart is heavy in the wake of the murder of eight people in the mass shooting in Georgia. The loss of life, including the lives of six Asian women, is sickening and deeply tragic. On behalf of Philadelphia's educators, I send my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were murdered.

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Closure of Mayfair Building Due to COVID-19

PHILADELPHIA—"Our agreement to allow a return to school buildings is based on adherence to a stringent set of protocol. We have been, and continue to, hold the District accountable to adhering to these critical health and safety protocol.