NEA Annual Conference Highlights Political Shift

Recently, the National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers’ union in the country, convened its annual conference in Portland, Oregon. The focus of this meeting seemed to stray from prioritizing children’s education, leaning heavily towards political matters. Many attendees described the agenda as filled with partisan resolutions that criticized political opponents and showed a clear bias toward progressive beliefs.

Setting the tone for the event, teacher Ashlie Crosson proclaimed that teaching was inherently “deeply political.” She mentioned the need for engagement, stating that educators could no longer sit on the sidelines. The July 4th backdrop of this statement was particularly ironic, suggesting a lack of independence in the union’s actions as they seemed to align more with left-leaning causes than student welfare.

Leaked resolutions from the conference indicated this political overture. One particularly notable item suggested the NEA should actively “defend Trump’s fascism” by using the term in its communications. It’s somewhat ironic, or perhaps sad, that a union representing educators couldn’t even spell “fascism” correctly in their resolutions aimed at critique.

Beyond this, another resolution branded attempts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education as “illegal and anti-democratic.” Calling such an action “racist” appears ungrounded, especially when considering the department’s longstanding failures to effectively serve low-income minority students. The federal approach has arguably perpetuated educational inequities rather than alleviating them.

The NEA turned its attention to immigration policy as well, adopting a resolution against any efforts that might return to Jim Crow laws. They supported students’ rights to oppose and organize against Trump’s immigration policies, even taking a stance against immigration enforcement actions. This raises questions on whether the focus should be on educational content instead.

In response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that allowed parental choice in education, the NEA adopted initiatives to continue promoting certain ideological guidance in the classroom. This push suggests a willingness to prioritize indoctrination over genuine educational discourse, a troubling trend for many.

Interestingly, the NEA decided to avoid collaborating with the Anti-Defamation League, an organization dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism. This choice stands out, especially given rising anti-Semitic incidents, and raises doubts about the union’s priorities at a critical time.

The NEA’s political activities are not new; the vast majority of their political contributions flow towards Democrats during election cycles. With annual revenues exceeding $380 million, the NEA has resources that potentially serve partisan agendas rather than effectively advocating for teachers and students alike. This level of partisanship may call into question the justification for their federal charter granted over a century ago.

In fact, the NEA previously dismissed resolutions aimed at enhancing student learning across public schools. This indicates that the teachers’ union has shifted its focus from educational objectives to political activism, transforming classrooms into venues for political engagement rather than centers of learning.

This brings to mind the words of Horace Mann, who suggested that those involved in education often see parents merely as hostages to their cause. The NEA seems to take a similar approach, treating children as instruments for broader political initiatives, rather than as individuals worthy of a quality education.

The ramifications of this politicization are concerning. A significant number of eighth graders struggle with math and reading, yet the NEA continues prioritizing political interests over addressing these educational challenges.

Such a radical agenda could easily drive parents toward alternative education options. Many families have turned to charter schools and homeschooling in the wake of the NEA’s approach, seeking environments that foster learning over political agendas. The Portland Convention only seems to reinforce this exodus, emphasizing educational choices that prioritize student outcomes.

Teachers deserve unions that advocate for their professional interests, not unions that use member fees to promote political beliefs. Similarly, parents want schools that emphasize basic academic skills rather than political activism. Students, ideally, should receive education that equips them for life, rather than one that serves ideological conflicts.

Until the NEA refocuses on its original mission, it risks losing members and eroding public trust. Lawmakers should consider revoking the federal charter while parents continue to assert their rights over their children’s education.