Just days after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten is promoting her new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers, drawing criticism for the timing and message. The book argues that educators are primary targets of fascist regimes and portrays conservative policies on education as part of a broader authoritarian threat. Critics say the decision to proceed with the launch without addressing Kirk’s killing demonstrates a lack of basic decency and further politicizes a moment of national mourning.
The event, hosted by the Democratic training group Emerge, features Weingarten alongside Emerge President A’shanti F. Gholar. According to the event page, the discussion will focus on the “essential role of educators in safeguarding democracy.” The promotional material and registration site remain active, despite Kirk’s high-profile assassination during a public event at Utah Valley University.
Weingarten did issue a brief social media statement following Kirk’s death, saying, “Violence is never okay. My prayers are with Charlie Kirk, his family, and everyone who was present. We must condemn it unequivocally.” However, neither AFT nor Emerge responded to inquiries from Fox News asking whether the book event would be postponed or if Kirk’s assassination would be addressed during the discussion.
The book claims that fascist governments target teachers because they foster critical thinking, suggesting that recent efforts by conservative lawmakers to reform public education resemble historical authoritarian tactics. Weingarten’s rhetoric has long drawn criticism from parents and conservative leaders who see teachers’ unions as politically biased and hostile to traditional values.
The decision to move forward with the event so soon after a politically motivated murder has only intensified that criticism. Many conservatives argue that Weingarten is using inflammatory language that contributes to political polarization, while simultaneously refusing to fully confront the reality of left-wing violence. Her continued framing of educational disputes as a battle against “fascism” is seen by critics as both divisive and irresponsible.
