Tell Rep. Foxx: Apologize for Mocking a Fourth Grader

A North Carolina fourth grader spoke up for his future. After learning about climate change in school, he wrote to Rep. Virginia Foxx (R NC-5) urging support for electric vehicles and cleaner energy solutions that could help cut pollution and protect the planet.

Foxx responded by mocking him. A member of Congress ridiculed a child for caring about the climate crisis.

Instead of encouraging a young person engaged in democracy, Foxx accused his teachers of “indoctrination” and dismissed his concerns about climate change altogether.

At a time when young people are growing up amid record heat, stronger storms, wildfire smoke, flooding, and rising costs driven by the climate crisis, children deserve leaders who will listen — not politicians who ridicule them for caring about their future.

Scientists have warned for decades that fossil fuel pollution is fueling a global climate emergency. Young people understand what too many elected officials still refuse to admit: delaying climate action will only make the crisis more dangerous and more expensive.

Rep. Foxx’s response sends a chilling message to students everywhere: stay quiet, don’t speak up, and don’t challenge political leaders on climate change. We cannot allow that message to stand.

Young people have every right to demand bold climate action and a livable future. Public officials should respect and encourage civic engagement — not attack children for speaking out.

Sign the petition to tell Congresswoman Virginia Foxx to apologize for mocking a child who is concerned about climate change, respect young people who are advocating for their future, and start taking the climate crisis and her position in Congress seriously.

The petition to Representative Foxx reads: I am deeply disappointed by your response to a fourth grader who wrote to you about climate change and clean energy solutions. A child who took the time to learn about the climate crisis and participate in our democracy deserved respect and encouragement — not mockery and accusations of “indoctrination.”

I urge you to apologize and start treating climate change with the seriousness it deserves.