Minn. Lawmaker Apologizes For Gestapo Comment

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The chair of the House Education Reform Committee is apologizing for using the word "Gestapo" to criticize a teacher training proposal.

Officials with the state teachers union Education Minnesota said Tuesday they would support an alternative licensing program if participants were kept under close supervision for 90 days.

Republican Rep. Sondra Erickson of Princeton told Minnesota Public Radio News she thought that requirement sounded like the "teacher Gestapo."

Erickson, who's a retired teacher, said Wednesday her choice of words was inappropriate. But she says her concern still stands.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)