Virginia teachers union mourns over Trump victory: 'They will come for us'

RICHMOND, Va. (CITC) — The largest teachers union in Virginia sent an email to members after the presidential election mourning over President-elect Donald Trump's victory, warning educators will soon "come under attack as never before."

The email, penned by Virginia Education Association (VEA) President Carol Bauer, acknowledged the grief members may be feeling over the election results, copies shared via social media show. Bauer noted that educators will likely have students coming to them seeking support and answers to "the hard questions."

"I know today feels like a dark day for many of you. Questions and doubts are likely swirling through your head, and it will take time to digest what happened and why," she wrote. "That is understandable."

Bauer went on to warn VEA members that their professions and schools will "come under attack as never before" under the incoming Trump administration.

The very existence of public education and organized educators threatens their concept of control, and they will come for us," Bauer wrote. "But we will be ready."

"But most importantly, remember that this election does not define us," she added. "Virginia had a strong message for the rest of the nation last night that does not fit into the MAGA narrative. We showed that we can be strong, resilient, and defiant in the face of incalculable odds."

Bauer in her email pointed to Virginia being "the only southern state to reject Trump" on Election Day. Trump has never won the state while running for president, with its electoral votes going to President Joe Biden in 2020 and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The VEA email drew outrage from Republicans on social media. Virginia state Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield, claimed the message represents a "'Republicans-Need-Not-Apply' sign."

"If you don’t share their liberal politics, they don’t want you in 'their' schools," state Sen. Sturtevant wrote on X. "It’s dangerous when our public schools—that Democrats and Republicans pay for—are politicized like this."

Julie Perry, a teacher and former GOP candidate for the Virginia State Senate, echoed the sentiments in her own X post. She argued the email shows teachers unions prioritize their "political agenda."

Education-related campaign promises of Trump have sparked debate since Election Day. The president-elect repeatedly said while campaigning that he would seek to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education if elected to the White House.

Trump also voiced support for school choice measures during his campaign. Such measures are often unpopular with teachers unions, with leaders raising concerns over the potential impact to public schools.

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for VEA directed Crisis in the Classroom (CITC) to the National Education Association's (NEA) Wednesday statement regarding the presidential election results. NEA President Becky Pringle said in the statement the outcome of the election is not "the future we wanted for our students and families," but "it is the road through history we now must travel."

"Our values don’t change based on who wins or loses an election," Pringle said. "And we will continue to advocate and organize for what we believe in with all our strength."

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