MEA Supports Lawsuit by Detroit Teachers, DFT, AFT

Jan 29, 2016

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 29, 2016 — The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Steven Cook regarding the DFT/AFT lawsuit challenging conditions in Detroit Public Schools:

“Just as we’ve seen in Flint, the conditions in Detroit Public Schools are appalling. No one can argue that point. The issue is whether we’re willing to tolerate Third-World conditions in our urban centers. The question is if we’re going to stand up for democracy.

“We need an end to the stifling of our collective voices by unelected emergency managers. We need investment in our schools, not punishment for the dedicated individuals who devote their lives to educating the next generation – often putting their own health and safety at risk.

“While the MEA does not represent the educators in Detroit, our members stand with them in their desire to raise awareness and spur action to provide the best quality education to the students of Detroit Public Schools and all schools throughout Michigan.”