American Federation of Teachers on Puerto Rico Supreme Court Ruling on Vouchers and Charters

WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement:

 “The Supreme Court’s decision to affirm the constitutionality of charter schools and vouchers is disappointing, but given the court’s recent decision on school closings, it was not surprising. We have known for months that Gov. Ricardo Rossello and Secretary of Education Julia Keleher have provided misleading and inaccurate information to sell the changes they were proposing to public education on the island. That the court has gone along with this destructive approach, in direct contradiction to its precedents and without the benefit of an opinion explaining its reasoning, shows little regard for the need for justice and listening to the voices of the children and families of Puerto Rico.

“We will continue to work with the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico to fight for public schools that are focused on kids instead of private interests.”