Reaction to Education Secretary Paige's
Comment About the NEA
For Immediate Release - February 24, 2004

Washington D.C. - Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) today called for Education Secretary Paige to leave education for the good of education in America.

"When Education Secretary Rod Paige called the National Education Association a "terrorist organization," he demonized tens of thousands of genuine American heroes, the men and women who, underpaid, overworked, and rarely thanked, devote themselves to the education of our children," McDermott said.

"If such an egregious act occurred in any school in America, the person responsible would be expelled. That's exactly what should happen. Mr. Paige must go, now.

"The Secretary has made it clear that he has no interest in working with America's teachers and their organizations. He has forfeited their trust and, with it, his ability to do his job.

"Mr. Paige supposedly is in charge of education in America. He is the standard bearer, the symbol and spokesperson of what we believe education to be. Teachers and their organizations deserve profound thanks, not profane comments.

"Mr. Paige's untrue words endanger every teacher and educational institution in the country. Rod Paige has failed the grade and needs to be removed."