Press | Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Ongoing Facilities Concerns at Masterman

August 26, 2021 PHILADELPHIA—"The situation unfolding at Masterman is emblematic of the years of systemic refusal to provide the PFT, our members, and our communities with accurate, timely, and detailed information pertaining to the health and safety of our school buildings. It is exactly why the PFT not only has been the founder and driving force behind the Fund Our Facilities Coalition, but also have spent years not only defining the facilities crisis but also identifying real solutions. In our May report, we again outlined the severity of this crisis district-wide and pointing to specific actions the District must take to bring about urgently needed change. MORE

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Vaccine Mandate, Necessary Course Corrections in Health & Safety Plan

August 24, 2021 In advance of this evening's board vote on a vaccine mandate, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: PHILADELPHIA—"This union has been very clear from the start-- we support vaccines, and we have been urging every member to get vaccinated. Further, we have expressed our support for a negotiated vaccine mandate. As an AFT Vice President, I helped craft our national position on vaccine mandates. But let us not forget that while a vaccine mandate is warranted and very important, nearly 90% of educators nationwide have been vaccinated. "It is imperative to note that our students in PreK-7 are not yet even eligible for the vaccine. As such, each day, tens of thousands of unvaccinated individuals will be entering our buildings. A multilayered mitigation strategy is absolutely key—vaccines, universal masking, and universal testing. Earlier this month, we shared testimony with the PA House Democratic Policy committee on critical safety measures. MORE

Update on Vaccine Mandate, Safe Back to School

This morning, PFT President Jerry Jordan offers written testimony to the PA House Democratic Policy Committee on a safe and healthy back to school for students and staff. In it, Jordan outlines key mitigation measures that must be in place and broader issues of infrastructure and funding that underscore so much of the work we do each day. In his testimony, Jordan identifies key areas of concern MORE

PFT President Jerry Jordan on New CDC Guidance for Schools

7-9-21

PHILADELPHIA—"We continue to look forward to a full reopening of in person instruction in the fall. From a cursory review of the new CDC guidance, the PFT is encouraged that the guidance not only recognizes the importance of local decision making but also recognizes the importance of continued mitigation measures. These measures include but are not limited to adequate ventilation, testing, and mask use for unvaccinated individuals.

"This union remains committed to ensuring a full, five day a week, in person program for all of our young people. And we are committed to ensuring that it

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Shameful School Code Legislation

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6-25-21

PHILADELPHIA—This afternoon, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued an updated legislative memo in response to the woefully inadequate "School Code" bill under consideration in Harrisburg.

President Jordan wrote, in part, "The PFT is deeply disappointed and concerned about the myriad failures in the current school code bill (SB381 A02135). This bill is, quite simply, shameful."

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Arrests in Harrisburg Civil Disobedience

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PHILADELPHIA—"I thank and commend the brave leaders--Councilmember Helen Gym, Bishop Dwayne Royster, and all of the faith leaders of POWER--for their unequivocal and unrelenting determination in fighting for equitable education funding. MORE

PFT Issues Report on School Facilities: Scope and Solutions

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE.

5-10-21

PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers today issued a report outlining an updated scope of the facilities crisis along with urgently needed solutions.

The toxic schools crisis in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth is emblematic of just how profoundly the deep seated, systemically racist underfunding of our schools has impacted our students.

Our young people, the majority of whom are Black and brown and experiencing poverty, have had to endure conditions that would never, ever be tolerated in wealthier, whiter school districts.

Conditions

PFT President Jerry Jordan on the Police Killing of Adam Toledo

PHILADELPHIA—"Adam Toledo was thirteen years old. A seventh grade boy with his hands in the air, shot dead by police. Adam should be alive today.

"Watching Adam lay there motionless, while responders referred to him as 'little man' was simply too much to bear. I'm sick and tired of Black and brown lives being viewed as expendable.

"It's hard to continue to even find the words to express my outrage. Our union will always remain deeply committed to the fight for racial justice and equity."

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PFT President Jerry Jordan on the Conviction of Derek Chauvin

PHILADELPHIA—"Black Lives Matter. Today's verdict is an important step towards justice for George Floyd and a step forward in repairing a deeply broken system. I commend the prosecution, the brave witnesses, and the jurors for their work in seeking justice for George Floyd.

"George Floyd was murdered in cold blood at the hands of former police officers Derek Chauvin and his accomplices. And for that, we've mourned and we've protested. And we will continue to do so--because no matter the verdict, Mr. Floyd is still gone, and his family still wakes up each day without their beloved father, son, partner, friend.

PFT President Jerry Jordan on the Police Killing of Daunte Wright

PHILADELPHIA—"I am disgusted, enraged, heartbroken, and unfortunately not surprised that another Black man's life was stolen at the hands of police. Daunte Wright should be alive today.