By Phyllis Schlafly
The National Education Association, known as the NEA, holds a national convention every summer attended by 10 to 12,000 delegates from public schools all over the country. Every year, Eagle Forum sends observers so we can report to our members and the public what policies, legislation and candidates the NEA is promoting. This week, I’m giving you a report based on the documents handed out at this year’s convention, which was in New Orleans.
The Legislative Program adopted at this year’s Convention sets forth the marching orders for NEA lobbyists and the authority for political donations. Here are some of the NEA’s major objectives: Mandatory full-day kindergarten attendance for all children. Substantial increases in federal education spending. Federal funding for the education of illegal aliens, and to teach schoolchildren about different sexual orientations. Baby care for the schoolchildren who have babies. Opposition to tuition tax credits, vouchers, parental “choice” in education programs, and making English the official language of the United States. Legislation to prohibit religious organizations that get federal funding from making their hiring decisions based on religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or HIV/AIDS status. And the NEA is positively against any accountability for teachers. The NEA’s Legislative Program calls for opposition to the testing of teachers as a criterion for job retention, promotion, tenure, or salary increases. Funny thing, there wasn’t anything on the list about improving the teaching of reading or math to schoolchildren.
These policy statements authorize the NEA’s highly-paid staff to lobby for legislation the NEA wants, and to donate large sums of money to candidates who support NEA policies.
Contributing Editor, Phyllis Schlafly, is the Founder and President of Eagle Forum. Used with permission.
