AFSA Statement — Election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

The victory of Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris as president-elect and vice president-elect of the United States of America is the first step in building back trust, honesty and respectability in our nation.

Their triumph shows that a large cross-section of America desires both change and new leaders to tackle this nation’s ongoing crises. Biden and Harris must immediately confront two difficult tasks, and we stand ready to support them on both fronts.

First, they need to attack the COVID-19 epidemic sweeping this nation. We know that their decisions will be guided by science and common sense. With these real leaders taking control and implementing a thoughtful plan, we have a far better chance of controlling the virus, returning our nation to normal, and getting all of our nation’s children and educators back in school safely.

Second, we must find common ground on the issues that impact all of us. These issues include race and the economy. It is time to put away the idea of my way or no way, and instead seek the reasonable and achievable middle path that all can walk. 

I am particularly excited that America has elected public education champions to lead this nation for the next four years. Our competitive future is tied to making sure every child has the opportunity to learn. We know the Biden/Harris team will make the needed investments in our schools to offer every child a better future.

Finally, I know our members are Biden supporters and Trump supporters. As educators and leaders in our communities, I ask all of us to join together, start the healing process and set an example for the rest of America to follow.