DFER Releases Statement on Yesterday’s Events at U.S. Capitol

Press Releases

January 7, 2021

DFER Releases Statement on Yesterday’s Events at U.S. Capitol

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Jan. 7, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) National President Shavar Jeffries released the following statement in response to yesterday’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

“For the first time since 1814, the U.S. Capitol was violently breached yesterday—this time by domestic terrorists attempting to stop the certification of the election and the seating of a new president.

This insurrectionist mob was fueled by the lies, misinformation, and vitriol spread by President Trump—who, despite the decisions of over 60 courts, including decisions made by Republican and Democrat judges, and the decisions of Republican and Democrat election officials in several states, continues without evidence to claim the 2020 presidential election was rigged.

Our children are watching, and they deserve better. They deserve a better example of how power is transferred from one leader to another; they deserve a better example of how to address and resolve disputes when there are passionate disagreements; and they deserve a better example of how leaders in positions of authority anchor their decision-making in facts and truth as opposed to falsehoods and demagoguery.

Through it all, we remain hopeful. The Congress re-convened and did its work. Americans of diverse political backgrounds spoke loudly to condemn yesterday’s events, and many have expressed a desire to re-dedicate themselves to fostering a public square that is more civil, fact-based, and solutions-oriented. And, in less than two weeks, a new president—elected by a diverse, multi-racial coalition that produced the highest number of votes in the nation’s history—will restore honor, decency, and a bias for unity to the White House. In that spirit, we will move forward to continue to fight for an educational system, and country, that honors the greatness of our children.”

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