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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2002

News Release

A letter to the Washington Times from NEA President Bob Chase

Once again, the Washington Times has lived up to its reputation for inaccurate, out-of context reporting with its most recent attack against the National Education Association.

Before NEA launched its public Remember September 11 website, an article condemning its content appeared in the Times. Instead of waiting to view and evaluate the site herself, Washington Times reporter Ellen Sorokin quoted foes opposed to NEA and public education and attacked our initiative. Sorokin wrote that our site took a decidedly "blame America" approach.

Lies and distortion about the National Education Association are nothing new. Most of the critics of this September 11 website have been bashing public school teachers and the NEA for a long time. But using this national tragedy to score political points is a new low.

NEA's sentiments are shared by James McGrath Morris, a 12th grade social studies teacher and Dr. Robin H. Gurwitch, a pediatric psychologist at the University of Oklahoma. Both were interviewed for Sorokin's Aug. 20 story "NEA plan for 9/11 not backed by teachers." In separate e-mails, both complained their quotes were taken out of context and that Sorokin claimed to be interviewing them for a story on 9/11 history. As it turns out, both educators had high praise for NEA's new site. "Excellent," says Morris. "Outstanding as always," Gurwitch adds.

The materials on NEA's "Remember Sept. 11" website, developed by classroom teachers and other education professionals, were designed to help parents and educators deal with the full range of issues and emotions surrounding the first anniversary. Those who visit the site will find it a handy aid - with more than 100 age-appropriate lesson plans and 60 links to supporting material. Our project, a celebration of American values, includes information supplied by the American Red Cross, the National Association of School Psychologists, the American Library Association, the Public Broadcasting System and other respected groups.

As always, NEA's tone is "pro America" not "blame America." We stand by our belief that the entire Muslim community cannot be held responsible for the actions of Osama bin Laden and the Al-Qaeda terrorists. In a country where whites, African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans and Muslims live on the same block and learn in the same classrooms, knowledge and understanding, not extremism and blame, are critical to the peace and prosperity of our great nation.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.


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