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Secretary of Education Should Resign

Date: Feb. 24, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Education


SECRETARY OF EDUCATION SHOULD RESIGN -- (House of Representatives - February 24, 2004)

(Ms. McCOLLUM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Secretary of Education branded the 2.7 million teacher-strong National Education Association a "terrorist organization."

Mr. Paige's words were a hateful comment, beneath the dignity of any Cabinet Secretary. Rather than trying to achieve the highest standards of civility, setting the best example for American children, Mr. Paige's "teachable moment" was to stand in the White House and vilify the NEA and America's teachers by labeling them terrorists, in effect, enemies
of America.

This vile language was no joke. It was not insensitive. In fact, it was a deliberate attack, an example of neo-McCarthyism at its worst.

The Secretary's words harmed public education, and they were clear in their intent to threaten the millions of American citizens that the NEA honorably represents.

It is time for Mr. Paige to resign.

Resign now, sir.

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