HR 47 EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRACY

WHEREAS, since its founding, support and defense of democracy has been a basic tenet of the American Federation of Teachers as evidenced by its motto: Democracy in Education, Education for Democracy. And, throughout this century, a commitment to democratic principles has guided the AFT in struggles such as the fight for teacher and workers' rights and the civil rights movement. And, the defense of democracy has been the basis of AFT policies and actions in its response to colonialism, fascism and communism; and

WHEREAS, the AFT has long believed that schools and educators, along with other institutions, should play an important role in defending and strengthening democracy. And, as stated in the 1987 AFT Education for Democracy statement of principles, "We are convinced that democracy's survival depends upon transmitting to each new generation the political vision of liberty and equality that unites us as Americans"; and

WHEREAS, at the end of a tumultuous century that has seen the rise and fall of totalitarian movements of the left and right, democracy remains "the worthiest form of human governance ever conceived." Yet, despite the collapse of communism in the early 1990s and the accompanied upswing of support for democracy, there are signs of new dangers that threaten its consolidation in countries in transition from authoritarian rule, and signs of a deterioration of democracy in established democracies; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, the strength of democracy is being tested by a decline in civic activity, low voter participation and a growing cynicism toward government. Internationally, the euphoria that accompanied transformations in the former Eastern bloc, the end of apartheid in South Africa and the re-establishment of democracy in many Latin American countries has largely dissipated. Grave obstacles to the stability of democracies have become apparent. Ethnic conflicts in Africa and in the Balkans are manifestations of such obstacles; and

WHEREAS, the AFT takes special note that democratic institutions are increasingly threatened by criminals, terrorism and corruption in key regions of the world from Eurasia to Latin America. As President Clinton stated in his October 22, 1995, speech to the United Nations: "These forces jeopardize the global trend toward peace and freedom, undermine fragile new democracies, sap the strength from developing countries, (and) threaten our efforts to build a safer, more prosperous world":

RESOLVED, that the AFT continue its commitments to the strengthening of democracy through education in the United States, and with teachers from other nations, through its programs entitled "Education for Democracy" and "Education for Democracy/International"; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT support the creation of an international organization for teachers and activists, organizers and civic organizations entitled CIVITAS; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT recognize the growing dangers to democracy from corruption and criminals both here and abroad and that it support educational programs in communities throughout the world that help to reduce the appeal of criminal enterprises that undermine the democratic rule of law.

(Executive Council)