Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN ON THE MURDER OF TYRE NICHOLS AT THE HANDS OF MEMPHIS POLICE

January 27, 2023

"Today and every day since we learned of the brutal murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis police, he and his family and loved ones have been on my mind.

"As the nation braces for the release of what, by all accounts, is a simply horrific video, I know it stirs up many emotions. Today, Tyre Nichols' mother, RowVaughn Wells, asked a very poignant question: 'Where was the humanity?'

"Mrs. Wells talked about the love Tyre had for her, the impact of the loss on her family, and also noted, 'People try to say Black people only try to go after white officers. That's not true. We don't care what color the officer is. We want bad officers taken off the force.'

"Today, and every day, Black Lives Matter."

PFT MEMBERS VOTE OVERWHELMINGLY TO ENDORSE HELEN GYM FOR PHILADELPHIA'S NEXT MAYOR

January 23, 2023

This afternoon, after completing a lengthy endorsement process, which included opportunities for every member to vote on an endorsement as well as a Mayoral forum to hear from candidates, PFT President Jerry Jordan hosted a news conference at Heston Elementary School to announce the results. Jordan enthusiastically announced the union's overwhelming support for Helen Gym. Jordan was joined by Heston's staff, and Building Representative Lenora Howard delivered powerful remarks and introduced our candidate for Mayor. Helen Gym spoke about what the endorsement means to her and the work ahead.

Jordan's prepared remarks are below and linked here.

A playback of the event, with remarks by Heston Building Representative Lenora Howard and Mayoral candidate Helen Gym can be viewed here.

PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN ON MASS SHOOTING IN HALF MOON BAY, CA

January 23, 2023

"Again and again and again. Tonight, it’s Half Moon Bay enduring what should be unthinkable but is all too common in our nation.

"We mourn for the seven lives so cruelly cut short, for all those they leave behind, and for all impacted by this horrific mass shooting.

PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN ON MASS SHOOTING IN MONTEREY PARK, CA

January 22, 2023

"A night of celebration in Monterey Park--at a dance club after a nearby Lunar New Year celebration--turned into a scene of horror and devastation, and families are now left shattered.

"The shooting in Monterey Park, leaving at least ten dead and ten more injured, marks another catastrophic mass shooting that has become all too common in our nation.

PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN ON THE SCHOOL DISTRICT LAWSUIT CHALLENGING FACILITIES OVERSIGHT LAW

January 20, 2023

In response to the District's announcement of a lawsuit challenging the facilities oversight legislation passed in City Council in May, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:

PHILADELPHIA-- "It is disappointing that the District has chosen to challenge a duly passed law geared precisely towards addressing the ongoing facilities crisis in our schools. For years, this union has fought tirelessly to address the ongoing issues of lead, asbestos, mold, and other environmental hazards.

PFT PRESIDENT JERRY JORDAN ON DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY 2023

January 16, 2023

"Every year on Dr. King's birthday, I think about the legacy he left, the life he led, and the horror of his assassination. Dr. King's fight for equity and justice continues to reverberate to this day, with a reminder of the progress we have made and the enormous amount of work ahead.

"Just this week, we learned of the death of Keenan Anderson, following a traffic stop in Los Angeles. His death speaks, once again, to the inherent dangers of being Black in America. It should not have to be said that a traffic stop should not be a death sentence. We are thinking of Keenan Anderson’s family, his students, and all of those who knew and loved him.