The MeidasTouch Podcast Meidas Health: Dr. Gupta’s Deep Dive with AFT President Randi Weingarten
8 snips
Nov 10, 2025 Randi Weingarten, President and CEO of the American Federation of Teachers, discusses the importance of education for democracy and the insights from her book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers. She highlights the dangers of current policies on vulnerable students and outlines the AFT's advocacy efforts in public health. The conversation also dives into persuasive messaging for healthcare issues and the implications of recent election results for civic engagement. Randi emphasizes the need for grassroots organizing to protect educational resources and democratic values.
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Teachers As Democracy's First Line
- Randi Weingarten warns democratic backsliding can lead to authoritarian tactics like disappearing people and militarized streets.
- She argues teachers build civic habits and critical thinking that prevent reliance on strongman leaders.
Protect Democracy By Backing Schools
- Fight democratic backsliding by strengthening public education and civic learning in communities.
- Support teachers and schools as practical antidotes to authoritarianism by investing in democratic habits.
Federal Role Is Civil Rights And Funding
- The federal role in education is limited and focused on civil rights and funding to level the playing field.
- State and local control dominate curriculum and standards, so federal cuts harm vulnerable students directly.
