Press Release

AFT President Randi Weingarten: ‘We Are All Puerto Ricans Today; We Are All Virgin Islanders Today”

For Release:

Contact:

Marcus Mrowka
202-531-0689 (cell)
mmrowka@aft.org

WASHINGTON—AFT Statement on the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria:

“We are all Puerto Ricans today. We are all Virgin Islanders today. We've been in touch with people in Puerto Rico, who tell us Hurricane Maria has absolutely devastated the island. And the Virgin Islands, already hit hard by Hurricane Irma, face even more destruction from Maria. 

“The AFT is here for our members, their families and the tens of thousands of students and others we serve on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We are here for our many family members who make these islands their home. We are praying for your safety. And just as we are doing in Texas, Florida and the other areas hit by these hurricanes, we will help you rebuild. As I said when Puerto Rico’s teachers’ union joined the AFT, tu lucha es mi lucha, and we will be with you every step of the way to ensure you recover after this devastating storm.”

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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.