You say you want a revolution: NEA votes to call Trump a 'fascist'

Revolution was in the air as the National Education Association's annual assembly in Portland over Independence Day weekend, reports Sarah D. Sparks in Education Week. Delegates voted to label President Trump's programs as "fascism."

President Becky Pringle urged members to fight the Trump administration’s directives against diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI. The teachers' union will fight to preserve the U.S. Department of Education and oppose immigration raids in schools, writes Sparks.

Delegates also "directed the NEA to develop guides for local unions to promote affordable housing policies, single-payer health care, and recovery efforts for schools following natural disasters."

Workplace safety was a major concern, she writes "Four out of 5 teachers now report having been verbally threatened by students, and more than 3 in 5 teachers said they have been physically attacked by students." Delegates called for work on a "strategy to improve workplace protections, leave, and mental health supports for educators who experience trauma because of an attack at school."

The NEA should develop policies on the use of AI in education, delegates decided. They voted down a proposal to develop policies on cellphones in schools. Also rejected were calls to promote the teaching of cursive writing and to advocate against grade inflation.

The union voted to cut all ties with the Anti-Defamation League, which provides material on anti-Semitism to schools, because it is “not the social justice educational partner it claims to be.” Union members said the ADL exaggerated data on hate crimes against Jews.

The NEA will continue to fight attempts to expand school choice, said Pringle.

I know the NEA is a labor union, but I wish they cared more about how to improve teaching and curriculum. What about a push for policies that prevent classroom disorder instead of just ensuring counseling and time off for teachers who are attacked? Why not be leaders on cellphones in schools?