Press Release

Union of Education Norway and AFT on President Trump’s Racism

For Release: | Saturday, January 13, 2018

Andrew Crook

WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and Union of Education Norway President Steffen Handal issued the following statement responding to President Trump’s racist comments:

“The vile and unacceptable comments made by President Trump must be condemned with the strongest possible force.  Norwegian and American educators stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Haiti, El Salvador and across Africa—and people of African descent in both of our countries—who who will bear the brunt of bigotry.  His denials are not believable. 

“Norway and America have a shared commitment to justice and human rights—the precise opposite of the racism and hate peddled by the president.  Immigrants and refugees from Africa have thrived in both of our countries because of our proud record of tolerance and multiculturalism.  President Trump’s comments tear at the heart of our common values as teachers unions—bonds we strengthened during our meetings in Oslo in October.  We will not let his divisiveness prevail.” 

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The AFT represents 1.7 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.