AFT President Weingarten on Barbara Bush’s Death

WASHINGTON—Statement by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on the death of former first lady Barbara Bush:

“Barbara Bush kept education and literacy front and center during her years in the White House. She championed reading and writing for both children and adults, and highlighted the bridges learning builds within our communities. Mrs. Bush’s literacy foundation and home library initiative taught us that the promise of education belongs to every American. That commitment and spirit of decency must be her legacy.

“Last year, the AFT partnered with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and First Book to deliver brand-new books and basic-needs items to areas devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Together, we also created the Essentials for Kids Fund, a national initiative to provide supplies for teachers and kids in underfunded public schools. Throughout her life in public service, Barbara Bush saw needs and rose to meet them—and she put teaching and learning first.”