In a recent revelation that may leave many unsurprised, the United States Department of Education and the country's two largest teachers unions, the National Education Association (NEA) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT), have been implicated in a report that suggests a significant misuse of funds.
The report, released by the nonprofit group Defending Ed, alleges that these organizations have collectively spent $43.5 million since 2022 on contributions to far-left groups. These include state and federal political action committees (PACs) and other ideologically left-leaning entities, such as Washington D.C. think tanks.
According to RedState, the report has raised questions about the motivations behind these contributions. The feature image of the report features AFT President Randi Weingarten, a figure known for her support of left-wing causes.
Critics argue that such support ultimately harms American school children, leading to what some have termed "trickle-down indoctrination."
The report cites disclosures to the Department of Labor, revealing that left-wing philanthropic giants such as the Tides Network, New Venture Fund, Sixteen-Thirty Fund, and Future Forward have all received a combined total of nearly $1.5 million from the unions. Future Forward was notably the main Super PAC supporting Kamala Harris' 2024 presidential run after former President Joe Biden stepped down.
In addition to these contributions, the unions have also donated significant amounts to groups that focus on supporting left-wing candidates for public office. These include the Democratic Governors Association, the Democrat's House Majority, and Senate Majority PACs.
Other beneficiaries of their donations include major left-wing think tanks like the Center for American Progress and its 501(c)(4) arm, which have received close to a million dollars since 2022 from the two unions.
The quality of public education in America has been a topic of concern for many, with critics pointing to the decline in academic, testing, and graduation standards, the rise of governmental bureaucracy, and the influence of teachers unions. The focus on identity politics, socially-divisive issues, and the concept of DEI (diversity, equity, and so-called "inclusion") have also been cited as contributing factors to the decline in education quality.
Defending Ed researcher Rhyen Staley commented on the findings, stating, "It is clear that the teachers unions priorities are advancing far-left politics and radical social justice issues, not the education of children. This is a slap in the face to families and teachers who want to focus on helping students improve their reading and math skills. It is time that Congress acts to stop this obscene redistribution of public monies to advance left-wing identity politics."
Public-sector unions expert Aaron Withe also weighed in on the issue, revealing that the NEA spends less than 10 percent of its budget on "representational activities," while allocating 38 percent of its budget to contributions to left-leaning groups, lobbying, and political gifts. Withe criticized the unions for prioritizing radical ideologies over the needs of their members, especially given the recent decline in union membership.
Despite these criticisms, the unions seem undeterred. Critics argue that the NEA and AFT are more interested in indoctrinating and radicalizing school children than addressing the concerns of their declining membership.
However, there may be a glimmer of hope for those advocating for change. As reported in late August, the Education Department has shifted its focus towards teaching proficiency in English to foreign students, a move in response to President Donald Trump's March 1 Executive Order designating English as the official language of the United States.
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