One year ago today the U.S. Capitol suffered the most severe attack it has faced since the War of 1812, when the British burned Washington, D.C.
Thankfully, our democracy and institutions have persevered, but unfortunately, the attacks on our democracy haven’t stopped. Over the last year, disinformation has been used to attack the freedom to vote as 19 states passed legislation making it harder for Americans to vote.
“As educators, we teach all students—no matter their race or ZIP code—that voting is a responsibility of citizenship and a sacred right that we must protect for all Americans,” says NEA President Becky Pringle. “We know that our public schools are more than places of learning—they are the foundation of our democracy. And we see how our students are not only witnesses to the relentless attacks on voting rights nationwide—oftentimes they are targeted by the restrictive voting rights bills in states across the nation.”
As educators reflect on what happened on January 6, 2021, they remain steadfast in the conviction that students of voting age—and all Americans—must have full access to exercise their inalienable right to vote.
“Congress must pass into law legislation ensuring every eligible voter can make their voice heard by ensuring they can cast their ballots safely and freely, while also preventing partisan politicians from sabotaging the results of our elections,” Pringle says. “Our students are depending on us. Congress must act. Now.”
