Saphron Initiative endorses Atif Qarni for VA-10

Former Va. Secretary of Education Atif Qarni poised to be valiant advocate for public education in Congress

Washington, D.C. (June 10, 2024) — The Saphron Initiative is proud to endorse Atif Qarni as the Democratic candidate for Virginia's 10th Congressional District. With a strong background in education leadership, Qarni embodies the qualities expected by student advocates in an effective Congressional representative.

As Virginia Secretary of Education, Atif Qarni ensured that all students were afforded new opportunities. He pushed back on police in our schools, fought for teacher pay policies that value improvement and cultivate innovation, and led actions to push for more inclusive disparities in our education system; under his leadership, Virginia has been making strides toward better quality education, broader support for education professionals, and strengthened diversity in schools.

“In Congress, Qarni will bring valuable experience from his time in education leadership to the halls of American decision-making,” Saphron Initiative Advocacy Director Zakareya Hamed said. “As a congressman, he’ll support student-backed policies that will make the United States a global model of successful, equitable K-12 public education.”

Our political space has never been more in need of public education champions to assume the mantle of our nation's leadership. Qarni, being an ex-teacher, is well versed in the high level of problems his constituents will face in the education system. His enthusiasm for listening to and actively collaborating with stakeholders—along with promoting viable solutions—is in empathetic alignment with the values of the Saphron Initiative.

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Endorsement Contact: Shunmei Zheng

VIRGINIA ENDORSEMENT LIAISON

ENDORSEMENTS@SAPHRON.ORG