Paige calls NEA 'terrorist organization'
From John King
CNN Washington Bureau
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Rod Paige
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Education Secretary Rod Paige called the National Education Association a "terrorist organization" Monday as he argued that the country's largest teachers union often acts at odds with the wishes of rank-and-file teachers regarding school standards and accountability.
Paige later issued a written release saying that statement, made during a conversation with governors, "was an inappropriate choice of words" but reiterated his criticism of the NEA and its Washington lobbyists.
An administration official said the secretary was "clearly joking" but he should not have used the "terrorist" label in taking issue with the NEA -- which is not only the largest teachers union but also a major player in Democratic Party politics.
Several Democratic governors were quoted after the session saying they were taken aback by Secretary Paige's strong language.
In his written release, Secretary Paige said:
"It was an inappropriate choice of words to describe the obstructionist scare tactics the NEA's Washington lobbyists have employed against No Child Left Behind's historic education reforms.
"I also said, as I have repeatedly, that our nation's teachers, who have dedicated their lives to service in the classroom, are the real soldiers of democracy, whereas the NEA's high-priced Washington lobbyists have made no secret that they will fight against bringing real, rock-solid improvements in the way we educate all our children regardless of skin color, accent or where they live.
"But, as one who grew up on the receiving end of insensitive remarks, I should have chosen my words better."
In a written statement, NEA President Reg Weaver said, "It is morally repugnant to equate those who teach America's children with terrorists. NEA is 2.7 million teachers and educators who are fighting for children and public education. Yet this is the kind of rhetoric we have come to expect from this administration whenever one challenges its world view."
Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe called Paige's words "hate speech" and said "President Bush and the Republican Party should immediately renounce" it.
"Secretary Paige has demeaned America's teachers and denigrated the men and women in uniform who are fighting a deadly enemy," he said in a written statement.
"It is a revolting attack on America's teachers to suggest that it is an act of terrorism to disagree with President Bush and to be outspoken advocates for students and teachers."
The NEA is headquartered in Washington where every year the organization spends about $1 million lobbying, according to The Associated Press.
The NEA and its political action committee donated $3.1 million to federal candidates and the two political parties in the last presidential election cycle, the AP reported. About 90 percent of those donations went to Democrats.
Copyright 2004 CNN. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
