Our union, Maryland School for the Deaf Faculty and Staff Association, Local 4828, AFT, AFL-CIO, was invited to the Back to School event at the White House on September 21, 2024, where First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of Education Manuel Cardona would be speaking. About 20 members from our union attended. Most of us wore blue to represent AFT with buttons rooting for Harris/Walz by our union. The day was very warm and bright and it was held on the White House lawn so we all dressed our best but with the weather in mind as well! AFT National provided two vans to take us to the event, which we appreciated, as it allowed all of us to socialize while traveling to the White House from the Columbia campus.
After we arrived and got through the long security line, we walked to the White House front lawn and saw so many children, dressed in their best, playing different outdoor games, adults lingering around at tables, or in line for ice cream and lemonade. Then, everyone started moving towards the area facing the entrance of the White House where Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary Cardona would be speaking. As Dr. Biden and Secretary Cardona walked out of the White House, everyone stood up to take pictures and to pay respect.
Secretary Cardona spoke first, sharing how happy he was to see everyone and the importance of education. Then, Dr. Biden spoke and emphasized the importance of education for our children, as they are our future. She also praised all the hard work educators and family have done to support each child's educational journey.
Their speech was very brief so we walked towards the president's limo. We took pictures of it and marveled at how thick the windows were. Each of us got a free water bottle with the White House emblem on it. However, to be on the lawn of the White House was an honor due to its history of holding events with important people. We all enjoyed the experience!
In solidarity,
Shelly McCully, President
Maryland School for the Deaf Faculty and Staff Association
Local 4828, AFT Maryland, AFT, AFL-CIO
