Overview

• Fox News host Martha MacCallum and AFT President Randi Weingarten debated school choice and public school performance during a contentious interview on April 22, 2025.
• Weingarten acknowledged that some books available in classrooms were inappropriate for children aged four to six, a rare admission from the union leader.
• The discussion was prompted by a Supreme Court case examining censorship of LGBTQ+ materials in public schools for religious parents.
• MacCallum argued that school funding and choice do not necessarily improve literacy and academic outcomes, while Weingarten maintained that funding plays a critical role.
• Despite their disagreements, both emphasized the importance of balancing strong literacy skills with fostering an inclusive and accepting environment for students.