January 6, 2021
PHILADELPHIA— In response to the coup attempt in Washington, D.C., PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:
“I’m disgusted and sickened by the domestic terrorism unfolding at the US Capitol. In an extraordinarily dangerous and volatile situation, a group of primarily white seditionists are attempting a coup, and this disgraceful display speaks so profoundly to how broken our society is.
Patience—counseled by former Vice President Joe Biden all election week as Americans waited for votes to be counted—finally paid off Nov. 7, four days after Election Day, when Biden won in Pennsylvania and gained enough Electoral College votes to acquire a new title: president-elect. AFT President Randi Weingarten says the union’s leaders and members “can’t wait to get started” on the work ahead “with an administration that will embrace and fight for the values we hold dear.”
November 10, 2020
In response to the School District of Philadelphia’s announcement to remain virtual, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: “The decision to remain fully virtual for the foreseeable future will save lives. The science of COVID-19, paired with the massive ventilation and other facilities issues throughout the District, makes it clear: returning to school buildings, in any capacity, is unsafe right now."
November 4, 2020
In advance of the Trump campaign’s planned press conference in Philadelphia, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: “The current occupant of the White House has led by lies, bullying, fear, racism, and hate. His absurd post-election approach is unsurprising yet nevertheless chilling. The fact that his campaign feels the need to bring in its top officials, who like the president himself, have zero credibility, to have a temper tantrum in the cradle of liberty, is just too on the nose. It’s what we’ve seen over the past four years."
October 22, 2020
Following the fatal shooting of Walter Wallace, Jr. at the hands of Philadelphia Police, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: “I am heartsick, weary, and enraged. Again and again, for far too many, being Black in America has deadly consequences. The video of Walter Wallace, Jr. being shot and killed by Philadelphia police, followed by the guttural screams of his mother running to his fallen body, is too much to bear."
