Recent revelations from the New York Post and other media outlets have brought to light an unsettling partnership between the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request show direct communication between AFT President Randi Weingarten and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, highlighting how the AFT influenced CDC guidelines on school reopening during the pandemic.
In February 2021, the AFT proposed specific changes to the CDC’s K-12 Operational Strategy for reopening schools. These “suggestions” were adopted within days, directly impacting the CDC’s updated guidance. Despite the significant implications of this collaboration, there was no public acknowledgment of their partnership. However, internal communications reveal Weingarten’s praise for Walensky’s “genuine desire to earn our confidence and your commitment to partnership.” The emails further describe the relationship between the AFT and CDC as a collaboration of “thought partners.”
Concealed Collaboration
Strikingly, this partnership was omitted from official AFT communications. Internal documents and public statements by the AFT portrayed their relationship with the CDC as distant, characterized only by formal letters and memos. In public, Weingarten claimed to have minimal contact with the CDC until April 2021, despite the fact that meetings and Zoom calls between AFT and CDC staff began as early as February. This contradiction raises serious concerns about the transparency and honesty of AFT’s public messaging.
Emails reveal that Weingarten suggested changes to CDC guidelines on at least two occasions—once in February and again in April—and that the CDC implemented those changes within a week. Yet, when questioned by the media and policymakers about these revisions, the CDC refused to comment or provide clarification. In one instance, during a February 12 press conference, Dr. Walensky was asked whether the CDC’s guidelines were free from political interference. She replied, “My presence here is not a message to anyone. My employer is the U.S. Department of Education, and I represent their views.” This statement conflicts with evidence of union-driven influence.
Financial Ties and Policy Influence
The AFT’s influence over the CDC extends beyond school reopening guidelines. In 2020, the AFT spent $1.56 million lobbying for legislation that would significantly expand the CDC’s budget, authority, and administrative salaries. Bills such as H.R.1227, H.R.1976, and S.531 directly benefited the CDC’s upper administration while aligning with the AFT’s policy goals.
This financial relationship casts a shadow over the CDC’s objectivity. The union’s financial and political investments in the CDC’s operations create an apparent conflict of interest, undermining public confidence in the impartiality of the agency’s recommendations.
Hypocrisy Exposed
The irony of this collaboration became evident when, shortly after influencing CDC guidelines, Weingarten publicly criticized the previous administration for “meddling with the CDC.” Her remarks, made just days after she herself had worked closely with the agency to adjust its guidelines, reveal a startling double standard.
Additionally, once the CDC adopted guidelines favorable to the AFT’s positions, Weingarten launched both internal and external campaigns urging schools to adhere to the updated recommendations. This alignment further underscores the extent of the union’s sway over public health policy during a critical time.
The Need for Accountability
The covert collaboration between the AFT and CDC raises serious ethical questions about the integrity of public health policy and the undue influence of powerful lobbying organizations. The lack of transparency, coupled with the clear alignment of financial and policy interests, undermines trust in both organizations.
As new details emerge, it becomes increasingly clear that public health decisions must be shielded from political and financial interference. The CDC and AFT owe the public a full account of their interactions, and steps must be taken to ensure future collaborations prioritize transparency, accountability, and the well-being of the communities they serve.