The Honorable Antony J. Blinken
Secretary
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Blinken:
On behalf of the 1.7 million members of the American Federation of Teachers, I write in support of a strong, resolute, and unwavering response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The United States and its allies have a lasting stake in Ukraine’s desire for independence, democracy, and territorial integrity. By standing with Ukraine, we are not only supporting their autonomy; we are also defending our own national interests and advancing the values of human freedom that we have always championed.
As educators -- teachers of government, civics, and world history -- we have not forgotten the costs that were paid over many decades in creating the principles of today’s global order. Those principles, built in the aftermath of World War II and the Cold War, have made our world more secure, and do not permit one country’ s domination of a sovereign neighbor, or changing its borders through intimidation or invasion.
Our wish is certainly not for conflict; we support every attempt at solving these issues through diplomacy, deterrence, and negotiation. However, as we move forward, be assured the AFT will continue to stand in support of our national interests, and with the people of Ukraine in their desire for self-determination, democracy, and peace.
Sincerely,
Randi Weingarten
President
Secretary
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Blinken:
On behalf of the 1.7 million members of the American Federation of Teachers, I write in support of a strong, resolute, and unwavering response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The United States and its allies have a lasting stake in Ukraine’s desire for independence, democracy, and territorial integrity. By standing with Ukraine, we are not only supporting their autonomy; we are also defending our own national interests and advancing the values of human freedom that we have always championed.
As educators -- teachers of government, civics, and world history -- we have not forgotten the costs that were paid over many decades in creating the principles of today’s global order. Those principles, built in the aftermath of World War II and the Cold War, have made our world more secure, and do not permit one country’ s domination of a sovereign neighbor, or changing its borders through intimidation or invasion.
Our wish is certainly not for conflict; we support every attempt at solving these issues through diplomacy, deterrence, and negotiation. However, as we move forward, be assured the AFT will continue to stand in support of our national interests, and with the people of Ukraine in their desire for self-determination, democracy, and peace.
Sincerely,
Randi Weingarten
President