Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

PFT President Jerry Jordan on PA Senate's Passage of Bigoted Legislation

June 29, 2022

PHILADELPHIA—In response to the Republican controlled PA State Senate passing an Anti-trans sports bill, a Book Banning bill, and a Don't Say Gay bill, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:

"Shame on Pennsylvania Republicans who continue to lead with bigotry and hatred.

"I am disgusted by the State Senate's passage today of an Anti-trans bill (SB972), a Book Banning bill (SB1277), and a Don't Say Gay bill (SB1278).

PFT President Jerry Jordan on SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

June 24, 2022

PHILADELPHIA—In response to the 5-4 SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, PFT president Jerry T. Jordan issued the following statement:

"Today's ruling, overturning a woman's right to the healthcare she needs, is disgraceful. Banning abortions will not stop abortions. But it will make abortion unsafe and illegal. It means that women experiencing poverty, especially Black and brown women, will be especially vulnerable amidst an already rigged system.

"Before our eyes, we are watching the horror of a group of right-wing extremists hurtling our nation rapidly towards authoritarianism. Let's be very clear: when Republicans talk about freedom, when they talk about the sanctity of life, when they talk about individual rights, they mean for white, cisgender men.

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Dangerous Legislation Before the PA General Assembly

June 14, 2022

PHILADELPHIA—In response to the Republican controlled state legislature positioning a host of reprehensible bills for consideration instead of finding ways to fully fund public education and implement commonsense gun reform, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:

At AFL-CIO National Convention, PFT President Jerry Jordan Outlines What is at Stake in Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA—As part of a panel discussion at the AFL-CIO national constitutional convention, PFT President Jerry Jordan outlined what is at stake in Pennsylvania in our collective efforts to protect and strengthen democracy and safeguard the right to vote.

Jordan's prepared remarks, which can be read in their entirety here, read in part:

MEMBERS: End of Year Reminders

Important end of year reminders:
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Tentative assignments

PFT President Jerry Jordan Calls on Senator Toomey to Take Immediate Action on Gun Reform

June 8, 2022

PHILADELPHIA—Amidst an ongoing scourge of gun violence that continues its catastrophic toll in Philadelphia and across the country, PFT President Jerry Jordan yesterday joined Tuesdays with Toomey to again call attention to this urgent crisis. In addition to the PFT and Tuesdays with Toomey, the event was co-sponsored by Cease Fire PA, March for Our Lives, Indivisible Philadelphia, and Heeding God's Call.

Pennsylvanians will continue to put pressure on Senator Toomey to listen to his constituents and implement gun safety measures that will save lives. The PFT is urging its members, as well as any concerned Pennsylvanians, to take action today and call Senator Toomey. The message is clear: gun reform is urgently needed.