Kentucky's 2019 teacher of the year shuns White House visit in protest of Trump

[demmiblue]

Source: Courier Journal

Kentucky's 2019 teacher of the year skipped a formal ceremony at the White House on Monday — a snub Jessica Dueñas said was in protest of the Trump administration's embrace of school-choice policies.

"I feel like the current administration is clearly attacking public education," Dueñas told the Courier Journal. "Why come to D.C. and smile and get an award and not stand up for my students?"

Dueñas, a teacher for Jefferson County Public Schools, joined Minnesota's teacher of the year, Kelly Holstine, in sitting out the ceremony, held Monday at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Dueñas and Holstine, who teaches at an alternative high school, said the boycott was about standing up for marginalized students, including LGBTQ youth and students of color.

Read more: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/education/2019/04/30/kentucky-2019-teacher-year-skips-white-house-visit-in-protest-trump-policies/3624914002/

[Initech]

1. After seeing the way he treats champions I don't blame her!

[sheshe2]

2. Excellent choice, not to attend!

[ProudMNDemocrat]

3. Betsy DeVos had nothing to do......good.

She is as useless as an Education Secretary as Trump is as a president.

[louis-t]

4. And she hates Burger King so, no.

[SKKY]

5. That will play well in Louisville, which is located in Jefferson County...

...Not so sure about the surrounding counties.

[gademocrat7]

6. Bravo!

[keithbvadu2]

7. If it does not deserve the President doing it, it should have been held in her office.

[George II]

8. On the other hand we had this a few years ago:

[BigmanPigman]

9. Who knew? Teachers are smart and have class!

[spike jones]

10. An alternate protest would be to see the teacher go to the WH

and after she accepts the award, she rips it up and throws it at Trumps feet, then turn and walk away. Others could do that at the photo op. While cameras are rolling turn their backs to Trump and walk away.

[IronLionZion]

11. These folks should still go to DC and meet with Nancy Pelosi and Dem leaders

as a sort of alternative award celebration from people who actually value teachers and education

[Maxheader]

12. Well played Jessica...

Well played...

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

13. I wouldn't want that stinkon me either