Never knew I had so many teacher friends. (Stating the obvious, none had to deal with me in the classroom.) But, starting this morning, several were in touch with me about this as I guess they all received the letter either at home or at school (I think this was the first day back for many teachers). Here is the body of the letter:
RED CLAY EDUCATION
ASSOCIATION, INC.
4135 Ogletown Stanton Road, Suite 100,
Newark, Delaware 19713-4180
Phone: (302) 366-8440 Fax: (302) 366-0287August 5th, 2024
To the Delaware State Education Association Leadership Team and Executive Board:
On behalf of the Red Clay Education Association, I am writing to formally request the immediate withdrawal of the DSEA endorsement of Bethany Hall-Long for Governor, and
to cease all political action contributions associated with this endorsement. This decision has not been made lightly. Our executive board has reviewed multiple news reports of improprieties in the campaign’s finances. Additionally, the Lt. Governor’s campaign has demonstrated continued disregard for rectifying concerns regarding these financial reports.Over the last few weeks, a steady number of reports have come to light with respect to the instances during which the Lt. Governor’s campaign has broken campaign finance reporting
laws (WHYY), and attempted to keep a forensic review hidden from the public (WaPo, TNJ). We take this pattern of behavior as an urgent warning against the Lt. Governor’s political ethics.
These reports go against what our endorsement, let alone our organization, stands for.There is precedent for rescinding an endorsement. Back in 2018, RCEA endorsed a candidate for school board. We initially believed the candidate was the best choice to represent
the interests of our members. Not long after the endorsement, the candidate made controversial and inflammatory statements at a public event. The DSEA Director of Legislative and Political
Strategy immediately called RCEA to request that we walk back the endorsement. DSEA did not feel it was in our members’ best interests, and they would not be able to add their name to our
endorsement. The RCEA executive board reconvened and voted to endorse no candidate.We are asking DSEA to consider the same process.
We believe it is our duty as engaged union members to hold DSEA-endorsed candidates to the highest standards regarding both legislation and morality. We recognize Bethany Hall-Long has supported many of our organization’s goals in Dover. Our appreciation for this work cannot overlook serious lapses in judgement. Our endorsement is, and should continue to be, the gold standard. Respected organizations like ours should not give our seal of approval to candidates who cannot meet simple litmus tests of honesty, transparency, and integrity.
In Solidarity,
Steven Fackenthall
President, Red Clay Education Association
Will other district chapters join them, or have they already done so? I think what RCEA did reflects positively on the ethics and honesty of their members.
BTW, don’t think this story has appeared elsewhere. So, if someone wishes to pick it up, at least give us a shout-out. We do that every time we highlight a story we think is worth reading. Oh, and we provide a link. Reflects positively on our ethics and honesty.