Washington D.C. – Looking ahead to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address this evening, People For the American Way President Svante Myrick released the following statement:

“The State of the Union address is a time-honored tradition that gives the President an opportunity to be clear about his priorities. Clearly, we have made significant progress over the last two years, re-centering the needs of everyday Americans. And we have much more work to do, and serious challenges that we hope and expect to hear the President address.

“We need to hear a clear message from the President that attacks on inclusive education in our schools are unacceptable. What’s happening in Florida and other states is an attack on kids’ freedom to learn and on our democracy itself. We also need to hear the President make a clear call to end the police brutality that took the life of Tyre Nichols, which will require both federal legislation and support for local action.

“We need him to push for economic policies that work for all people – including college loan forgiveness that Republicans have shamelessly blocked – and to clearly express the importance of making our courts fair, especially with a right-wing Supreme Court running roughshod over our rights.

“Finally, we need a commitment to accountability for those who tried to overturn our democracy with the failed coup on January 6. Preserving our democracy is crucial, especially as it faces unprecedented attacks. The President must condemn any attempts at undermining our democracy, whether from outside forces or from those in Congress who will be sitting in the very audience he will address tonight.”

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About People For the American Way 

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org