DC Teachers Urge Boycott Of Washington Post

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Charging that the Washington Post is "burying the truth about education reform in the District," area teachers, parents and community allies rallied outside the newspaper’s head-quarters on 15th Street NW on Friday morning, chanting “We’re not buying until the Post stops lying!” “The Washington Post has never given our side fair representation in their stories,” said Diane Terrell, who has been teaching for almost 40 years. “We just want them to be truthful, honest and upfront.” Washington Teachers Union President Nathan Saunders (top, right) told Union City that he’s fed up with the “vilification and castigation” of teachers by the Post, especially in its coverage of the controversial IMPACT teacher evaluation system implemented by former DC Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee. “There are some good reporters at the Post who are more objective,” said Saunders, “but the Editorial Board’s crucifixion of teachers over the past several years is not reflective of a good newspaper. We’re concerned about the testing culture that the Post promotes and its close association with Kaplan Higher Education, which they have not disclosed to the general public. IMPACT hurts students, families and teachers, and people deserve to know.” Metro Washington Council President Jos Williams (bottom, left) agreed, saying the Post is an “institution that has failed to tell people the truth.” He added, “The Washington Post might intimidate others, but it doesn’t intimidate the teachers!” Washington Post Executive Editor Marcus Brauchli told Union City that he is “surprised” by the teachers’ allegations, and that he doesn’t think they're a “fair criticism.”
– report/photos by Adam Wright