Advocacy groups for parents are expressing concerns that teachers’ unions and educational associations are transforming schools into avenues for leftist activism, beginning as early as kindergarten.
According to the American Parents Coalition (APC), there are numerous instances of progressive educational practices being promoted by organizations like the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA). This has been highlighted in an APC report that outlines these issues.
“These initiatives start in the youngest educational environments. Schools are incorporating such curricula into preschool classes, organizing events for elementary students, and then those same kids are participating in protests and legal actions. This pathway has become common practice, and I think a lot of parents probably don’t even realize it’s happening until it’s well underway,” remarked APC Executive Director Ally Marais.
From investing nearly $2 million in training teachers and students for protests to advocating in immigration cases, the APC report outlines five key methods through which educators are shaping K-12 students into left-leaning activists.
1. “May Day” Protests
The May Day protests in 2026 took place nationwide on May 1, urging lawmakers to “tax the rich,” “abolish ICE,” “broaden democracy, not corporate power,” and support education. Reports indicate that various organizations trained teachers and students for these rallies.
One of these organizations, the Midwest Academy, has received over $1.7 million from the NEA since 2015. According to Mayday Strong, there were more than 5,000 protests across the U.S. on that day.
2. Chicago Teachers Union’s Controversial Curriculum
The AFT’s Chicago chapter allegedly distributed a curriculum labeling President Trump as a “fascist.” This information surfaced from a post by Corey DeAngelis, an activist for school choice, who highlighted the use of the term in educational materials.
3. PCUN v. Marine Case
The NEA and AFT are involved in a legal case aimed at preventing ICE agents from gaining access to sensitive areas like schools. This lawsuit was initiated by several community groups, and it focuses on addressing the alleged violence from ICE around educational institutions.
4. “They’re Not Too Young to Talk About Race!”
Although not directly related to unions, a 2018 resource from Children’s Community Schools promotes the idea that children, even as young as four or five, should engage in discussions about race. It emphasizes that not talking about race could lead to children forming their own biased conclusions.
5. Oregon’s Social Science Standards
The APC notes that the 2024 Social Science Standards in Oregon encourage students to “identify examples of inequity and injustice.” These guidelines aim to instill respect for various aspects of identity, stressing the importance of understanding the struggles of marginalized groups.
The Oregon branches of the AFT and NEA reportedly spent significant amounts on lobbying during the last legislative session, indicating their active involvement in shaping educational policies.
Marais suggests that parents need to engage early and sustain their involvement in their children’s education. She encourages them to review curricula and assignments, communicate with teachers, and advocate for clear policies that prioritize education over activism.
“Parents trust that their kids are going to school to learn foundational skills. What seems to be happening instead is that they’re being exposed to agendas that may overshadow academic goals. This situation requires parental involvement,” she stated.
