Press

“When the federal government shuts down, everyone loses. Congressional Republicans and the White House have made a deliberate choice to prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy over the well-being of working families. Instead of facing questions about protecting access to healthcare for millions of Americans, including their own constituents, they chose to hold the government hostage.  

“This is beyond partisan disagreements or political dysfunction. We call on the president and Republicans in Congress to get back to work and do what is right for the hardworking Americans who elected them. It’s time they work with Democrats and find a solution that all Americans deserve — one that protects healthcare, lowers costs, and keeps the government open."

“The Peabody Public Schools and Peabody Federation of Teachers are deeply committed to the wellbeing, safety, and education of all students of Peabody. After a thorough review of the details related to the alleged social media policy violation, the school department and the teacher’s union are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement that will allow the Peabody educator to return to the classroom on October 1, 2025.

“It is important that our community work together to foster greater understanding and respect opinions that differ from our own. We hope that the same things students are learning in the classroom, including how to engage in debate thoughtfully, the importance of empathy, and how to be a critical thinker, can find their way back into our public discourse.

“We look forward to continued collaboration and working together to prevent any further disruptions in our schools.”

"Freedom of speech is also a hallmark of our country. It is alarming that we're seeing a widespread increase in efforts to silence and penalize Americans for speaking on a matter of public concern in a private capacity. The First Amendment should apply to all, not the few. When an educator is put on leave, the impacts are felt in the classroom, with our students losing out on valuable instruction time. It is important that all who are targeted receive due process rights, another hallmark of our democracy and country, and we will vigorously defend their rights.    

"It is regrettable that the Peabody School District chose to disrupt their students’ education over allegations with no bearing on its schools or its learning environment.  Educators are allowed to have opinions on public concerns, just like everyone else.

"Instead of protecting that right, Peabody and other school districts have created conditions where educators and their family members are facing harassment and threats, even as many accusations have proven to be unfounded.

"The AFT Massachusetts will continue to protect the right to free speech for all educators and make sure anyone facing harassment or retaliation has their right to due process upheld."

“We condemn all forms of violence, including political violence. This year alone, there have been 47 school shootings with 19 lives lost. Right now, educators across the country are focused on providing their students a safe space to learn and grow at a time when many are living in fear. We hope that the same things we teach in the classroom - how to engage in debate thoughtfully and peacefully, the importance of empathy and critical thinking, and non-violent conflict resolution – can find their way back into our society and public discourse.

“Freedom of speech is also a hallmark of our country. It is alarming that we're seeing a widespread increase in efforts to silence and penalize Americans for speaking on a matter of public concern in a private capacity. The First Amendment should apply to all, not the few. When an educator is put on leave, the impacts are felt in the classroom, with our students losing out on valuable instruction time. It is important that all who are targeted receive due process rights, another hallmark of our democracy and country, and we will vigorously defend their rights.   

“Instead of having serious conversations about the gun violence epidemic that has gripped our nation and our schools, we’re having to address the impacts of targeted bullying and harassment - both of which have no place in the classroom or in our democracy.”