Critics directed their attention towards American Federation of Teachers (AFT) president Randi Weingarten on Thursday after she launched an attack on Republican Governor Ron DeSantis during the GOP debate on Wednesday. Weingarten accused DeSantis of being a “disaster” for education in Florida and highlighted issues such as banning certain topics from curriculum, books, and Advanced Placement psychology courses, as well as a teacher shortage in the state.
In a post on a social media platform, Weingarten stated, “DeSantis has been a disaster on education. They’re banning history, they’re banning books, banning AP psych, and have a terrible teacher shortage. Nobody should be taking advice from him on schools.”
Critics promptly responded to Weingarten’s claims, suggesting that she was attempting to keep schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, Weingarten faced criticism for her stance on school closures. She testified before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic in April, discussing her union’s role in influencing policies related to school lockdowns.
Weingarten alleged that President Biden’s transition team had reached out to her union for guidance on school closures. Her stance on school closures during the pandemic has drawn continuous scrutiny.
Evan Power, Vice Chairman of the Florida GOP, challenged Weingarten’s assertions, labeling her a “disaster for education.” He accused her of advocating for school closures and mask mandates that contributed to learning losses among students.
Some commentators emphasized the irony of those who supported school closures discussing education matters. Others referenced a forceful letter Weingarten wrote in response to her critics that was published in the Wall Street Journal, where an editorial had criticized her handling of the pandemic.
Critics argued that Weingarten’s criticism of DeSantis inadvertently served as a strong endorsement for him. During the GOP debate, DeSantis criticized former President Donald Trump’s response to COVID-19, particularly his approach to lockdowns and his handling of the pandemic. DeSantis emphasized that the federal government’s handling of the pandemic had contributed to the economic challenges faced during that time.
DeSantis also expressed his disagreement with the handling of the pandemic by Dr. Anthony Fauci, a key advisor on COVID-19 during the Trump administration. DeSantis asserted that the approach to COVID-19 contributed to the challenges faced by the nation.