Tim Walz's ex-student recounts his activism against homophobic bullies during school teaching days
WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz stood for his students!
The ex-serviceman's former students revealed that the Minnesota Governor protected them during their school days.
Tim Walz helped his school set up its first gay-straight alliance
Activist Jacob Reitan claimed that Tim Walz was a role model for many at Mankato West High School, where the senator taught in the ‘90s, especially fighting for the inclusion of all, per TMZ.
Walz supported and helped set up the school’s first gay-straight alliance, and he also stood against bullying, he told MSNBC.
It was on Tuesday, August 6, when he was officially announced as Kamala Harris’ running mate.
In an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), the US Vice President said, "I am proud to announce that I've asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate."
I am proud to announce that I've asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 6, 2024
As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he's delivered for working families like his.
It's great to have him on the team.
Now let’s get to work. Join us:https://t.co/W4AE2WlMTj
"As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he's delivered for working families like his. It's great to have him on the team. Now let’s get to work," read the statement.
Walz, a former teacher, and Army National Guard veteran, emerged as the chosen candidate following a rapid and intense vice presidential search.
Who else was in Kamala Harris' VP race?
The shortlist included prominent Democrats such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
On Sunday, August 4, Harris held in-person interviews with Kelly, Shapiro, and Walz.
Why was Tim Walz previously accused of 'betraying his country'?
Meanwhile, there are growing accusations that Walz abandoned his battalion during his service days.
Paul Herr and retired Command Sergeant Major Thomas Behrends posted a letter on Facebook in 2018, during Walz's initial gubernatorial campaign.
They stated, "On May 16th, 2005, [Walz] quit, betraying his country, leaving the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion and its Soldiers hanging; without its senior Non-Commissioned Officer, as the battalion prepared for war."
Walz concluded his 24-year military career in time to launch a political career, successfully running for Congress in 2006. Behrends and Herr criticized this transition, noting that Walz could have requested permission from the Pentagon to run for office while remaining on active duty.
Instead, they claimed he avoided necessary paperwork and "slithered out the door,” with his retirement filing indicating "soldier not available for signature."
