AFT Rallies Nationwide on March 4 to Advocate for Education and Community

NATIONWIDE—Educators, students, parents, and community allies are coming together today for the American Federation of Teachers' (AFT) national day of action, titled “Protect Our Kids, Our Families and Our Communities.” The initiative will span over 100 in-person and online events nationwide, from New Hampshire to Hawaii, as part of the organization's efforts to champion the needs of children, families, and communities.

AFT's 1.8 million members are participating in activities such as walk-ins, teach-ins, and vigils, aiming to address and fight against challenges faced by working families. AFT President Randi Weingarten emphasized the increasing difficulties for these families, stating, “Life is getting harder for working families.” She criticized the administration for actions that include cutting school funding, restricting academic freedom, and reducing essential services.

Despite these challenges, the AFT has achieved significant victories over the past year, advocating for its members and the communities they serve. “When this administration tried to cut education funding, the AFT fought to stop it,” Weingarten noted. This advocacy led to a bipartisan congressional decision to block proposed cuts. Additionally, the AFT successfully challenged attempts to remove civil rights protections, winning in court against policies proposed by Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

Members are also establishing mutual aid networks to protect communities, countering intimidation tactics that threaten safety. AFT officers are participating in events across the country, with Weingarten visiting an elementary school in Reston, Va., Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram joining the Florida Education Association in Miami, and Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus speaking at a Houston rally.

Today's activities coincide with the first anniversary of the AFT's mass mobilization against unfavorable education policies from the Trump administration. These policies have negatively impacted vulnerable students, ended community and technical education programs, and increased student debt, prompting bipartisan criticism.

AFT officers are available for interview. For a full list of today’s events, click here.

The AFT represents 1.8 million individuals, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, higher education faculty, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.