Murphy Calls on CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to Resign Amid Report School Reopening Guidance Was Directly Influenced by Teachers Union

Washington, D.C. – In the wake of recent reporting showing the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) draft guidance on school reopening was prematurely filtered to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement calling on CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D. to resign:

"Throughout the latter half of this pandemic, teachers unions have resisted schools reopening despite overwhelming scientific evidence that it is safe to resume in-person learning. As a practicing physician I believe that any physician who puts the influence of political organizations before the well-being of our children has violated the Hippocratic Oath and does not belong in public service. These actions are unconscionable, and so I am calling on Dr. Walensky to resign immediately.

"As a physician, I understand the rigorous processes scientists use to uncover truths about the world as we know it. The scientific method does not include a step in which we take into account political pressure from outside organizations.

"The CDC is supposed be occupied by scientists who do not bow to political influence. This obviously is not the case under Dr. Walensky's leadership. As the most important public health official in America, she should have had the fortitude to reject AFT's influence in the CDC's recommendations."

Background:

As the reporting shows, Dr. Rochelle Walensky was either directly looped into or forwarded many of these emails. After email exchanges between CDC and AFT officials, at least two of AFT's suggested changes were adopted nearly word-for-word when the CDC's recommendations on school reopenings were made public on February 12, 2021. Email records show Kelly Trautner, AFT senior director for health issues, applauded Dr. Walensky for her openness to suggestions made by AFT president, Randi Weingarten. Neither of these individuals at AFT are medical professionals, yet their opinions were solicited.