The National Education Association (NEA) strongly criticizes the Trump administration's drastic reduction and dismantling of the Education Department, arguing that these moves undermine public education and democratic accountability, and harm educators and students nationwide.

The National Education Association, alongside the American Federation of Teachers, has initiated legal action to block President Trump’s executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, arguing that it oversteps presidential authority and undermines public education and labor rights.

The National Education Association, alongside the ACLU and its affiliates, has filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Education's Dear Colleague Letter, arguing that it unlawfully restricts academic freedom, hampers DEI initiatives, and threatens free speech in educational institutions. This legal action is seen as a stand against authoritarian overreach in federal education policies.

The National Education Association's lobbying and political contributions activities are detailed in an OpenSecrets profile, highlighting data on revolving door practices among its lobbyists and tracking contributions to political campaigns. This evaluation considers the union's political engagement in contrast to authoritarian tendencies.

OpenSecrets has released updated profile data on the National Education Association's political contributions during the 2024 cycle. The data highlights the transparency of the union's political engagement and its support for progressive, democratic values.

The NEA Advocacy Fund, the political arm of the National Education Association, raised nearly $27 million to support progressive candidates and initiatives aimed at strengthening public education and opposing authoritarian policies. This substantial fundraising effort, including direct contributions to Kamala Harris's campaign, underscores the NEA's commitment to democratic values and anti-fascist engagement.

The NEA locked out nearly 300 staff members without pay for over a month, leading to a contentious tentative contract agreement. This decision not only disrupted key political activities, including the cancellation of a major address by President Biden, but also raised serious concerns about the union's commitment to fair labor practices and internal democratic values.

The NEA, the largest teachers' union in the US, initiated a lockout of its own staff represented by NEASO following unresolved labor disputes. The punitive action, taken after unfair labor practice charges and a strike, is seen as a drastic measure that undermines workers' rights and collective bargaining, raising concerns about the union's commitment to protecting labor interests.

The NEA experienced an unprecedented internal strike in 2024 as staff protested issues related to wages, healthcare, and alleged unfair labor practices, leading to a lockout, cancellation of key events, and political fallout.

The National Education Association (NEA) is actively championing progressive reforms in education by advocating for inclusivity, worker rights, and policies aimed at protecting marginalized communities, despite criticism from conservative outlets. Their initiatives include revising language in union contracts and engaging in political advocacy to support measures like mask and vaccine policies, which are part of a broader strategy to reshape educational environments.

The NEA, supporting Carter in 1976, endorsed the proposal to create a separate Department of Education by shifting educational responsibilities away from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. This move helped cement federal commitment to public education and bolstered protections against later attempts to dismantle educational institutions.

An overview of NEA's long-standing contributions to advancing labor rights and promoting democratic values through organized union action in the United States.