Overview

• American Federation of Teachers union worked closely with Biden transition team and CDC officials to shape school reopening guidance and press strategy.
• AFT suggested specific language adopted nearly verbatim in CDC's guidance that led to longer school closures.
• Republican lawmakers argue AFT's influence and school closures caused catastrophic harm to children.
• AFT donated heavily to Democratic candidates and Biden's 2020 campaign.
• Weingarten and Biden officials have not been held accountable for role in extended school lockdowns that impacted children's development.