Author

David Hecker

David Hecker

David Hecker was the president of AFT Michigan. Previously, he was secretary-treasurer of the state federation. A member of the AFT executive committee, Hecker was first elected as an AFT vice president in 2004.

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: Michigan students deserve to learn in a healthy environment

By: - July 5, 2023

As educators and advocates for public schools, we believe in empowering our students with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to succeed and thrive later in life — but we also recognize our responsibility to provide a stable future for young people doesn’t end there.  As the chair of the union-led Michigan Green and Health […]

COMMENTARY
MEA

David Hecker: Public sector workers deserve more protections in Michigan

By: - May 31, 2023

A great deal has already been accomplished this legislative session. Democrats, who have majorities in both the Michigan House and Michigan Senate for the first time in 40 years, have joined with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to drive large policy changes. This sea change in leadership was accomplished last November, in large part thanks to the […]

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: Don’t fall for well-funded, divide-and-conquer tactics

By: - March 29, 2023

Throughout history and across continents, wealth and power have often been concentrated in the hands of just a few people and organizations. That’s while the rest are left to contend for scraps, and the United States is no different. The ultra-wealthy are an extremely small part of the population, so they work to hold onto […]

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: Students should be taught the truth about Rosa Parks and other civil rights leaders

By: - February 23, 2023

The myth:  Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus to a white man because she was physically tired. The truth: As Advance readers know, the truth is that Rosa Parks was not physically tired, but was tired of the humiliation, the second-class status; that Rosa Parks was an activist, the […]

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: What does Damar Hamlin have to do with worker safety? More than you think.

By: - January 29, 2023

When Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the football field a few weeks ago, fans and fellow players alike looked on in horror — while NFL officials were ready to get back to business.  The coaches of both the Bills and their opponents, the Cincinnati Bengals, insisted on postponing the game, but […]

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: We need to work together to protect the health of kids and workers this winter

By: - December 20, 2022

Cold and flu season is here — and this year, respiratory viruses are running rampant among children in Michigan and across the country. With COVID still a factor and RSV and influenza on the rise, we’re seeing alarming rates of these illnesses in our kids, resulting in overcrowded hospitals and difficulty getting treatment. Naturally, schools […]

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: After the election, let’s celebrate, analyze and build a better Michigan

By: - November 17, 2022

Last week’s election results were astounding.  For the first time in my 39 years in Michigan, stalwart allies of public education and working people are the majority in both the Michigan Senate and House and Gretchen Whitmer will be our governor for four more years.  Moreover, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana […]

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: How you can make your voice heard this election

By: - October 19, 2022

We hear it every time there’s an election year: Get out and vote to effect change in your communities. And it’s true; voting is one of the most important tools we have to put our political values into practice. You can bet I’ll be casting a ballot this November — but voting is just one […]

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: We can debate issues, but public education shouldn’t be a political war zone

By: - September 19, 2022

As a union representing educators, we have a vested interest in public policy, and therefore politics. And as a union, AFT Michigan has received our fair share of criticism from people who believe politics do not belong in education.  At best, the claims that we should keep education and politics separate are somewhat misguided. At […]

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: Corporations should stop funding politicians who back voter suppression

By: - July 20, 2022

Sometimes it is hard to live our values. We try hard to do so, and I for one, know that at times I falter.   But while slipping at times is understandable, there are lines we must strive never to cross. Voting rights is not a complicated issue. It’s a question of fundamental values — justice, […]

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: Here’s why canceling student debt matters

By: - June 21, 2022

For decades, teenagers have been sold a version of the American dream centered around college education: They’ll go to school, graduate with a degree, and find enough success in their chosen field to pay off their debts and thrive financially.  Parts of this are true, and some lucky few may have this exact experience — […]

COMMENTARY

David Hecker: We must fight back against attacks on LGBTQ+ kids and adults

By: - May 11, 2022

Right now, I am worried. Like many others in Michigan and across the country, I’ve seen the onslaught of homophobic and transphobic attacks coming at LGBTQ+ kids and adults from all angles, and I know the impact this kind of bigotry can have on people who are already marginalized. In just the past few weeks […]