Teacher Of The Year Shares Speech Trump Wouldn't Let Her Read To Reporters

Mandy Manning, the 2018 Teacher of the Year hosted at the White House on Wednesday by President Trump, read a speech on CNN Saturday that she says Trump wouldn't let her give during the ceremony.

 

In an interview with CNN's Van Jones, Manning read from her speech, which referenced the immigrant students she teaches as well as her support for gay and other marginalized students.

Manning says her purpose is to tell those students "that they are wanted, they are enough, and they matter," and listed names of her students who she says rely on America's policy of welcoming immigrants and promoting peace.

"Like Sultan's, who escaped war in his country, and understands the importance of the United States to be peacemakers," she says.

"I am here for refugee and immigrant students," she added, "[and] students in the Gay-Straight Alliance."

Manning's students come from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and elsewhere, according to her award application.

"Most of my students come to the U.S. seeking safety, but they don't always feel safe here," she wrote in her application. "I must help them understand current events, know their rights, and provide a safe and welcoming environment."

Trump hosted Manning alongside other award finalists and teachers from each state at the White House on Wednesday afternoon, but didn't mention her role teaching immigrant students.

"Her incredible devotion has earned her the adoration - total adoration, actually - and respect of students and colleagues throughout her school district, community and the entire state," Trump said.

As president, Trump has sought to reduce the level of refugees entering the U.S. and moved to crack down on undocumented immigrants, arguing it is in the interest of national security.

The president announced last year that his administration would allow no more than 45,000 refugees into the U.S. in 2018.