A significant teacher’s union has come under scrutiny after federal labor filings revealed that it allocated millions of dollars in union funds to various left-leaning organizations. The National Education Association (NEA) disclosed these financial contributions in a Form L-2 submitted in November, detailing donations made to social justice groups and progressive causes throughout 2024, a report by Fox News has highlighted.
Among the notable transactions, the NEA contributed $300,000 to the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a group often associated with progressive dark money initiatives. Additionally, the NEA’s financial support extended to the Tides Foundation Network, which has faced criticism for its involvement in protests against Israel.
In total, the NEA reportedly transferred over $3.5 million to Education International, a teacher’s federation. Funds were also allocated to specific state initiatives, including efforts to eliminate standardized testing in Massachusetts and movements opposing gerrymandering in Ohio.
Mika Hackner, the Director of Research at NAVI, commented on these developments in an interview, stating, “This is the upshot of social justice unionism. Instead of focusing on members’ working conditions, unions spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on pet political projects that are completely divorced from the needs and wants of most teachers but perfectly align with the political agenda the union has been co-opted to serve.”
The NEA has faced previous critiques for its involvement in political matters, including providing guidance to members on navigating gender transitions at their workplaces. This latest revelation underscores ongoing debates about the role of teacher unions in political activism versus their traditional responsibilities toward educators’ working conditions and rights. The NEA’s activities reflect a broader trend where unions are increasingly seen as engaging in political battles that may not resonate with all their members.