MLK Day and Presidential Inauguration a Historic Occasion to Stand Up for Social and Economic Justice, Says NEA President
NEA President Dennis Van Roekel issued the following message today to NEA’s 3 million members in advance of Monday’s Presidential Inauguration and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:“On Monday, our nation’s first African American President will take the oath of office—the same day we honor Rev. Martin Luther King Jr, our most impassioned and celebrated civil rights leader. This convergence amplifies the importance of both events, and carries special meaning for National Education Association members who have stood up for social and economic justice throughout the organization’s proud 155-year history.
“As President Obama begins his second term, the National Education Association is committed to restoring hope and bringing about change in our country by fighting for greater access to opportunity for all Americans. For too long, opportunity has been the province of a select few, while average Americans have been left behind. It’s time to address these inequities and restore fairness.
“Our democracy is built upon the notion of opportunity, which rests upon the foundation of public education. We must work together to strengthen that foundation so that all students—no matter their zip code, race or social