Millions of dollars from one of the nation’s largest teachers unions are flowing not to schools or teachers, but to a network of far-left activist groups and political causes. Recent federal labor filings reveal a significant redirection of union funds, raising questions about priorities and representation.
The National Education Association (NEA), representing over three million members, channeled substantial sums into organizations focused on social justice and progressive political agendas during the last fiscal year. These expenditures paint a picture of a union deeply involved in shaping policy beyond the classroom.
Among the largest recipients was Education International, a global teachers federation, receiving over $3.5 million. Notably, the NEA President holds a vice president position within this organization, highlighting a close relationship and potential influence.
The NEA also directed $300,000 to the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a well-known liberal dark money group, and tens of thousands more to the Tides Foundation network, an organization previously linked to controversial protests and far-left initiatives. These contributions demonstrate a clear pattern of supporting politically charged organizations.
Beyond direct donations, the NEA invested heavily in state-level ballot initiatives. Half a million dollars went towards ending standardized testing in Massachusetts, while similar amounts supported efforts to combat gerrymandering in Ohio and influence election laws in Arizona and Wisconsin.
The union’s spending extended to curriculum development and training, with over $166,000 allocated to Imagine Us LLC, a firm specializing in racial equity training. Additional funds supported groups promoting “social justice education,” focusing on topics like race, gender identity, and activism within K-12 classrooms.
The Schott Foundation, described as a “BIPOC-led public fund” dedicated to racial and education justice movements, received $350,000 from the NEA. This further underscores the union’s commitment to specific ideological priorities.
Critics argue this financial activity represents a departure from the NEA’s core mission. Instead of prioritizing the needs of its members – teachers and students – the union appears to be pursuing a distinct political agenda, divorced from the concerns of many educators.
Concerns have been raised about the NEA’s increasing focus on political advocacy and far-left ideology. Recent reports detailed the union providing guidance to members on gender transitions and labeling conservative viewpoints as antagonistic, fueling further debate about its role in education.
Some are now questioning whether the NEA’s federal charter, granted on the promise of advancing the teaching profession and promoting education, remains justifiable given its current trajectory. The debate centers on whether the organization is fulfilling its original purpose or has become a vehicle for a specific political ideology.
