Federal Video

Book Bans and Gun Control: 3 Minutes From Kamala Harris’ Speech to Teachers

By Jaclyn Borowski — July 25, 2024 2:51
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to members of the American Federation of Teachers at their annual conference in Houston on July 25, 2024.

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the American Federation of Teachers at the union’s convention in Houston on July 25. She contrasted her party’s desire to ban assault weapons with book bans that have proliferated around the country at the urging of conservative community members.

“Book bans in this year of our Lord 2024. Just think about it,” she told the crowd of about 3,500. “So we want to ban assault weapons and they want to ban books. Can you imagine?”

Here’s an excerpt from her message to educators.

See Also

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to members of the American Federation of Teachers at their annual conference in Houston on July 25, 2024.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to members of the American Federation of Teachers at their convention in Houston on July 25, 2024. Harris spoke to the nation's second largest teachers' union just days after President Joe Biden abandoned his reelection bid and the vice president appeared to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination.
Annie Mulligan for Education Week
Federal Kamala Harris Rallies Teachers: 'God Knows We Don't Pay You Enough'
Libby Stanford, July 25, 2024
4 min read

Jaclyn Borowski is the director of photography and videography for Education Week.

Video

School Choice & Charters Video How a Microschool Is Trying to Become a Model for Public Schools
This microschool utilizes community partnerships to get kids learning beyond the classroom.
4:06
Reading & Literacy Video Video: Why Are Parents Suing Lucy Calkins and Fountas & Pinnell?
All you need to know about the lawsuit targeting popular literacy gurus Lucy Calkins, Irene Fountas, and Gay Su Pinnell.
First grader Makai Parker practices reading skills at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C. The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including this first grade classroom at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C.
First grader Makai Parker practices reading skills at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C. The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including this first grade classroom at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C.
Kate Medley for Education Week
Artificial Intelligence Video The PD Teachers Want on AI Use and Ethics
Schools and vendors have started to offer PD on the use of AI in the classroom. Here's what educators say that PD should include.
View of the back of a woman lecturer giving a presentation to Ba blurred out group of diverse adults
E+
Teaching Video Teachers, Try This: Building a Safe Space for Students
For many students, school is the one place where their needs are consistently met. One teacher explains how he ensures that’s the case.
3:55
A kindergarten teacher addresses her class.
A kindergarten teacher addresses her class.
Allison Shelley for All4Ed