NEA Convention Highlights Shift to Partisan Activism
The National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers union in the United States, recently convened in Portland, Oregon, revealing a significant shift towards a politically charged agenda. Far from advocating solely for the educational needs of America’s children, the NEA showcased an array of partisan resolutions that align it closely with progressive politics rather than educational priorities.
Teachers Union Embraces Political Identity
At the forefront of this political turn was Ashlie Crosson, the NEA’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, who stated on July 4th that her role is “deeply political.” Her declaration, made on a day symbolizing American independence, has raised eyebrows about the NEA’s commitment to maintaining independence from partisanship. Instead, the union emphasized its status as a vocal advocate for progressive causes, distancing itself from the concerns of students and parents alike.
Partisan Resolutions and Misspelled Attacks
Leaked resolutions from the convention revealed an overtly political agenda. One notable item called for the NEA to “defend against Trump’s embrace of fascism,” inadvertently misspelling “fascism” in the process. This not only highlights a lack of careful consideration but also illustrates a broader trend where political overreach eclipses educational goals.
Another resolution characterized attempts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education as “illegal, anti-democratic, and racist.” Such claims divert attention from the department’s track record, which has historically struggled to uplift disadvantaged students, especially those from low-income minority backgrounds. The NEA’s rhetoric raises questions about whether it is truly acting in the best interest of students or simply pushing a political narrative.
Education vs. Political Activism
Shifting Focus from Academics to Immigration Policies
Immigration was another focal point of the NEA’s resolutions, with one calling for the defense of birthright citizenship and opposing what it described as regressive legal concepts reminiscent of Jim Crow laws. By backing students’ rights to protest governmental policies, the NEA has further entrenched itself in the political sphere, diverting attention from essential educational matters like literacy and math.
Defiance of Parental Rights
The NEA also took a stand against parental rights concerning classroom content. Following a Supreme Court ruling allowing parents to opt their children out of lessons containing gender ideology, the NEA signaled its intent to continue promoting such topics. This defiance raises alarms among parents concerned about educational overreach and further underlines the union’s prioritization of ideology over teaching fundamentals.
Controversial Stances and Radical Agendas
Stand Against Anti-Defamation League
The NEA’s decision to reject any collaboration with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization committed to combating antisemitism, raises significant concerns regarding the union’s priorities. In an era when acts of antisemitism are on the rise, such a move appears perplexing and counterproductive, and it begs the question of the union’s alignment with the fight against intolerance.
A One-Sided Political Machine
Historically, the NEA has tilted overwhelmingly towards Democratic political contributions, effectively operating more as a conveyor belt for leftist ideology than a representative entity for teachers. Despite its substantial financial resources—over $380 million annually—the NEA seems more focused on political machinations than on educational effectiveness, a shift that many believe warrants a serious reevaluation of its federal charter.
Educational Crisis Amid Political Noise
Alarming Academic Outcomes
The NEA’s pivot towards overt political activism has coincided with concerning academic outcomes, with only about 25% of American eighth graders demonstrating proficiency in math and reading. Rather than addressing these stark realities, the union seems fixated on ideological campaigns, raising alarms among educators and parents alike.
As parents grow increasingly anxious about a union that appears to treat children merely as part of its activist agenda, many have opted for alternatives such as charter schools and homeschooling. The NEA’s recent actions only serve to accentuate this trend, suggesting a continued exodus from traditional public education systems.
Teachers Deserve Better, Students Need More
Teacher representation should focus on advocating for educators’ professional interests and ensuring that classrooms emphasize fundamental skills over political indoctrination. Parents deserve education systems dedicated to the core subjects of reading, writing, and arithmetic, rather than becoming battlegrounds for ideological conflict.
As the NEA continues to pursue a political agenda, it risks alienating its membership, credibility, and public support. If lawmakers are serious about prioritizing education, a reevaluation of the NEA’s federal charter should be on the table. Ultimately, parents and communities will keep choosing paths that benefit their students, placing educational integrity above political ideology.