Cedar Rapids teacher goes to Washington to demand vote on Supreme Court nominee

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Pete Clancy at the White House

DES MOINES, IA (05/18/2016)(readMedia)-- Nine civics, history, and social studies teachers, including Pete Clancy from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, went to Washington today. They demanded that Senators do their job and provide a hearing and vote on President Obama's Supreme Court nominee to the Supreme Court, Chief Judge Merrick Garland. They joined a White House roundtable discussion with senior Obama administration officials to discuss the confirmation process and how educators teach their students about the Supreme Court and its role in our national government.

"As a social studies teacher, I fear this game of political brinkmanship misrepresents our constitutional government to all citizens, especially our students. In refusing to hold confirmation hearings, the Republican controlled Senate is clearly engaged in politics rather than governing: placing the interests of their party above the needs of the country. As our students are learning about the institutions of our government, it is essential they see how constitutional democracy functions rather than how political parties dysfunction," Clancy said.

"The ISEA is enormously proud of Pete's contribution to this important discussion and debate. Our educators are on the frontlines of the practical and real life applications of the Court's decisions. This is why teachers are so concerned," said ISEA President Tammy Wawro.

"It's our job to teach our students lessons about the importance of the U.S. Constitution but apparently some Senators need a lesson as well. The meeting was an opportunity to recommit to the critical work that remains, remembering that the outcome in Brown v. Board was never inevitable," said White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. "It was brought about by citizens from all walks of life across the country, including educators, who every day continue the important work of those who fought so hard for equality and build lasting bridges of opportunity for young people. Brown v. Board is resounding proof that – within the framework of our judicial system, and through the power of collective action – progress is possible. The anniversary of this historic Supreme Court case also reminds us of the critical role the Court plays in our system of government and how important it is that the Court is fully functioning."

A dozen civics, history and social studies teachers earlier this month sent a letter to the U.S. Senate demanding a hearing and a vote on the president's nominee. At the same time educators launched an online petition urging the Senate to do its job.

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The ISEA is a private, professional organization made up of more than 34,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving public education for all Iowa students.