STANDING AGAINST TAXPAYER FUNDING OF SCHOOL VOUCHER PROGRAMS

WHEREAS, public education is the foundation of our democracy where all children are accepted regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability or economic status; and

WHEREAS, our public schools are the heart of our communities, providing all children with an ample and effective opportunity for a public education; and

WHEREAS, it is not viable or desirable to divert public resources to educate only select students in other programs, which do not meet the accountability and inclusion standards of our public schools; but rather, we need to focus on educating all students with a well-resourced public education system; and

WHEREAS, it is essential to focus on providing public schools with the funds and resources to meet the needs of all students; and

WHEREAS, there have been strategic attempts to dismantle public education by imposing taxpayer-funded school voucher programs; and

WHEREAS, there are currently 27 voucher programs in 16 states and the District of Columbia; and

WHEREAS, states like New Hampshire have seen unregulated, taxpayer-funded vouchers used to discriminate against children and not provide all of them an equal opportunity at a free public education:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will continue to publicly oppose the diversion of public funds to discriminatory voucher programs that significantly reduce public financial support to our cherished public schools; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to use its voice nationally and on the state and local levels to educate the public about the dangers of vouchers; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to lobby national, state, and local governments, and support state federations in their opposition to school vouchers; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to partner with like-minded community organizations, parent organizations and labor organizations to support fully funded public schools; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to shout from sea to shining sea the value, importance, and fundamental right of every American child to a free and appropriate public education.

(July 17, 2022)