For Immediate Release
August 26, 2017
Contact: Marcus Mrowka
202-531-0689
AFT Leaders on Trump's Pardon of Arpaio
WASHINGTON—Statement by American Federation of
Teachers President Randi Weingarten, Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson and
Executive Vice President Mary Cathryn Ricker on President Trump's pardon of
ex-Sheriff Joe Arpaio:
"President Trump didn't just pardon
a thug and a criminal, he undermined the rule of law and betrayed the basic
norms of our democracy just to hype up his base. Democrats and Republicans
alike, including Sen. John McCain and even right-wing members of Congress, have
condemned this action because Trump's blatant abuse of power undermines the
dignity of the office of the presidency and tears at the fabric of a just and
fair democracy built on the rule of law for all.
"Ex-Sheriff Arpaio used the power of his office to harass, discriminate against and racially profile Latinos and immigrants, mistreat prisoners, unlawfully detain U.S. citizens and permanent residents, terrify and separate families, and turn routine traffic stops into a mass deportation strategy. He was convicted of violating constitutional rights, defied the courts and was voted out of office by the people of Arizona. He is a birther and is unrepentant about anything he did to other human beings. By pardoning him, Trump is sending a message to all who want to follow in Arpaio's footsteps that the president of the United States approves of those who use their office to violate our constitutional rights and inflict pain on our communities. And he continues to embolden white supremacist forces in our nation."
"Ex-Sheriff Arpaio used the power of his office to harass, discriminate against and racially profile Latinos and immigrants, mistreat prisoners, unlawfully detain U.S. citizens and permanent residents, terrify and separate families, and turn routine traffic stops into a mass deportation strategy. He was convicted of violating constitutional rights, defied the courts and was voted out of office by the people of Arizona. He is a birther and is unrepentant about anything he did to other human beings. By pardoning him, Trump is sending a message to all who want to follow in Arpaio's footsteps that the president of the United States approves of those who use their office to violate our constitutional rights and inflict pain on our communities. And he continues to embolden white supremacist forces in our nation."
Follow
AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
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