Press Release

AFT President Randi Weingarten Mourns the Passing of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

For Release:

Contact:

Oriana Korin
202-374-6103
okorin@aft.org

WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement:

“Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant and a true gentleman. Sen. Reid was a master legislator—a staunch ally in the fight to reform No Child Left Behind and refocus our country’s public schools on meeting students’ needs; a courageous leader in the effort to rein in Wall Street and make our economy fairer; and a fierce trailblazer when it came to ensuring access to affordable, accessible healthcare and protecting the voice of working people. Sen. Reid leaves behind a rich legacy, reminding us to stay in the ring when it comes to building a better America.

“He was smart when it came to getting things done in the U.S. Senate, and a real fighter for the working families of Nevada, and the entire country. Our thoughts are with his wife, Landra, their five children, and all of his friends, colleagues and former staff. May his memory be a blessing.”

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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.