By: JC Bowman, Contributing Education Editor
In politics, there is a truth: the hand that feeds you can choke you with the same hand that feeds you. The National Education Association (NEA) demands dues from its members. Local teachers must pay for state and national union dues. They are part of a larger union, a broad network of activists who lean left, mostly aligned with the Democrats. The NEA proudly claims to be the largest labor union in America.
Since the 1960s, the NEA has embraced a political agenda, one that favors the left. Many members, proud Republicans, do not like to see their dues funding causes they do not support. As they learn the truth, more are choosing to stop their contributions to this agenda and join other, more education-focused teacher associations.
Bob Chanin, the former NEA General Counsel, called conservatives “right-wing bastards.” His words reveal a union more concerned with power than education. Conveniently left out of published comments were his actual words, which you can see on YouTube.
In Tennessee, the same agenda is in play. Local teachers are paying into the NEA, either blissfully ignorant of the agenda or knowingly aware. The Washington Post notes that when public-sector unions lose power, so do their causes. Conservative Republicans should not support the Left by allowing their money to flow to these efforts.
In response, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald and Senator Cynthia Lummis have introduced the STUDENT Act. This legislation aims to reform the National Education Association (NEA) by refocusing on student learning and quality education.
The STUDENT Act aligns the NEA with other federally chartered organizations by eliminating tax exemptions, prohibiting discrimination in hiring, and requiring consent for dues collection. It also restricts the union from calling strikes and mandates that its officers be U.S. citizens, while enhancing accountability in record-keeping. The act seeks to restore the NEA’s original educational mission, moving away from its current political focus.
Parents and teachers deserve a union that values educational achievement above politics. The recent decision by the NEA to cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League over its support for Israel shows a troubling shift that ignores rising antisemitism.
The STUDENT Act effectively addresses the National Education Association’s (NEA) problematic practices and aims to increase accountability. Founded in 1906 to serve education, the NEA has drifted into political advocacy, promoting causes unrelated to its original mission. Reforming its charter could restore focus on education and reduce partisan bias.
Congress has issued charters to organizations that promote patriotic or educational objectives, granting them prestige and financial benefits. As the largest union in the U.S., the NEA actively supports progressive causes through endorsements and political contributions.
The NEA views itself as a political machine. Teachers deserve better; associations should remain nonpartisan. The Professional Educators of Tennessee is an independent organization that empowers public educators in Tennessee to focus on teaching. Bowman believes that “legislative efforts focused on NEA may be more symbolic than impactful.
The NEA’s congressional charter grants it a unique status, but critics say this provides undeserved legitimacy and allows for minimal oversight. To better protect educators and students, reforms are needed to limit political lobbying and enhance transparency. A 2023 Freedom Foundation report indicates that revoking the NEA’s charter wouldn’t affect its corporate existence or operations. Instead, reforming the charter could improve accountability and reduce partisanship within the organization.
The NEA existed long before its charter. Simply revoking it would not meaningfully affect its operations. It’s essential to engage in a serious discussion about revising the charter to limit political activities and ensure that governance aligns with educational goals. Furthermore, we must confront the influence of special interests and dark money on education policy across the nation, and this dialogue should actively involve parents and taxpayers.
JC Bowman is the executive Director of the professional educators of Tennessee. He is also contributing as an education editor for TriStar Daily.
