The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 led many Americans to reflect on the dangerous rhetoric that has permeated political discussions.
For Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, it served as an opportunity to amplify that rhetoric.
Just days after the incident, she rushed to publish her new book, *Why Fascists Fear Teachers*.
From its opening line referencing Adolf Hitler, Weingarten’s book equates her political opponents with history’s greatest villains, labeling figures like Donald Trump and others as “fascists.”
This echoes the words of Kirk’s murderer, Tyler Robinson, who asserted that “hatred” cannot be negotiated.
Reportedly, one of the bullet casings at the scene bore the inscription, “Hey fascist! Catch!”
<aside class="single__inline-module aligncenter wp-block-nypost-editor-primary-tag">
</aside>
And there was Weingarten, igniting controversy by alleging that conservatives are fascists. Essentially, she implies that fellow Americans are “literally Hitler.”
Moreover, she is not the only one.
Shortly after Kirk’s murder, Stephen Miller, a vice president within Weingarten’s union and the American Association of University Professors, compared Trump to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels, declaring on social media, “Trump is the enemy.”
Miller remarked that the assassin was a “disturbing kid influenced by Nick Fuentes,” suggesting he wasn’t extreme enough to commit such an act against Kirk.
Corruption appears deeply rooted in the teachers’ union, starting from the top.
Many so-called educators have celebrated Kirk’s politically motivated death, posting joyous messages across social media.
When parents and others voiced their disapproval, union officials dismissed the backlash as a “baseless online smear campaign.”
Weingarten’s Texas AFT affiliate even contacted members encouraging them to “hardly protect” their “targeted” teachers and to celebrate Kirk’s death online.
While they may express their views freely, employers and taxpayers shouldn’t be obligated to support individuals who spread divisive rhetoric.
Their lack of awareness in light of Robinson’s horrific actions illustrates a broader issue within the union.
Rather than owning up to their words, educators often adopt a victim mentality, casting themselves as perpetual martyrs.
This year, the AFT introduced a resolution aimed at “defending public education from right-wing extremism.”
<div class="inline-module__unsubmitted-title-wrapper">
<h3 class="inline-module__title headline headline--combo-sm-md">
Start your day with everything you need to know </h3>
<p class="inline-module__cta">
Morning Reports provide the latest news, videos, photos and more. </p>
</div>
<p>
<h3 class="inline-module__title headline headline--combo-sm-md">
Thank you for signing up! </h3>
</p>
</div>
</div>
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis labeled “radical extremists,” promising to educate students on the “indifference in white hegemony.”
During last year’s AFT conference, Weingarten took it a step further, projecting images of perceived enemies during her keynote speech.
This not only targeted specific individuals but also framed them as existential threats to education, rather than advocating for parental rights and school options.
The National Education Association isn’t lagging far behind.
At its recent conference in Portland, representatives passed a resolution labeling Trump a “fascist,” which is particularly ironic given the incorrect use of the term in their advocacy for education.
One would think last year’s assassination attempt against Trump might prompt a search for unity.
Instead, the union persists in depicting conservatives as moral evils, fueling division and risking more violence.
Even notable Democrats have joined in, with Hillary Clinton praising Weingarten’s book on X.
Teachers who celebrated Kirk’s death should be held accountable. They shouldn’t be in classrooms where they can influence young minds.
Moreover, Weingarten should resign for her role in perpetuating this toxic cycle.
<iframe loading="lazy" width="100%" height="50" src="https://embeds.nypost.com/protected-iframe/ae07a3726bec0fc91a840dddea9d294c" scrolling="auto" frameborder="0" class="" allow="camera; fullscreen;">
</iframe>
</p>
Meanwhile, students are organizing against this leftist influence in education. They have started a significant chapter of Turning Point USA.
Andrew Kolvet from TPUSA mentioned they’ve received 120,000 inquiries, indicating a presence at high schools and university campuses across America.
However, rational educators also need to take action—opting out of unions that promote hate.
They can join no-cost alternatives like The Teacher Freedom Alliance to stop funding the underlying leftist agendas defended by union leaders like Weingarten.
Now is the time to reclaim education from those who exploit it for ideological warfare.
Corey Deangelis is a senior fellow at the American Culture Project and a visiting researcher at the Institute of Economics.
Related News
