Teachers union leaders accused New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie of promoting a “culture of violence and hate” against teachers after the governor said in an interview he would like to punch the unions in the nose because they did not put students first. Christie’s comments were clearly metaphorical, but the charges reflect the long-running antagonism between the two sides, who have long fought over budget issues in the Garden State.
In an interview Sunday, CNN, correspondent Jake Tapper noted that Christie had often advised punching bullies “in the face” and asked the governor who fits that description. Christie, a 2016 Republican presidential nominee, replied the national teachers unions.
“They’re not for education for our children, they’re for greater membership, greater benefits, greater pay for their members,” Christie said, “And they are the single most destructive force in public education in America. I’ve been saying that since 2009. I’ve got the scars to show it, but I’m never going to stop saying it because they never change their stripes.”
The unions shot back late Sunday, denouncing the governor’s comments. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called the comments, “[J]ust disgusting. The culture of violence and hate aimed at educators is out of control.”
New Jersey Education Association President Wendell Steinhauer said, Christie should “resign as governor immediately,” based on the interview.
“Chris Christie’s instinct is always to threaten, bully and intimidate instead of build consensus and show true leadership. That’s not news in New Jersey, where voters overwhelmingly reject his immature and inappropriate behavior as well as his failed policies and lack of leadership. It is clear from polling that voters in the rest of the country also reject his rhetoric and his behavior,” Steinhauer said.
