For Immediate Release: September 5, 2017
Contact: Matthew Hardy, 510-703-5291

Statement from CFT President Joshua Pechthalt

The California Federation of Teachers strongly condemns the Trump administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which threatens the future of 800,000 young immigrants brought to the United States as children. In California alone more than 200,000 Dreamers and their families are now at risk.

CFT President Josh Pechthalt: “Ending DACA is a destructive and heartless act that will cause severe harm not only to these young Dreamers, but to their families, communities, and the broader society and economy. We work with Dreamer students and their parents each day in our schools across the state, and know that ending DACA will cause crippling fear and uncertainty. As teachers, professors and support staff we vow to stand by our students and their families, and will do whatever we can to ensure they receive an education free from fear.

“The California Federation of Teachers urges congress to immediately pass the Dream Act of 2017, which would provide a direct road to U.S. citizenship for undocumented residents impacted by the DACA reversal.”

Note: Interviews with CFT leadership are available throughout the day. Interviews with rank-and-file educators can also be arranged.

The California Federation of Teachers represents 120,000 faculty and school employees in public and private schools and colleges, from early childhood through higher education. It is the statewide affiliate of the AFT. More info: www.cft.org.