Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Representative Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) have introduced the STUDENT Act, a bill aimed at placing new restrictions and conditions on the National Education Association’s (NEA) federal charter. The lawmakers say these changes are intended to realign the NEA with its original mission of supporting teachers.
The NEA is the nation’s largest teachers’ union and holds a federal charter granted by Congress. According to the sponsors of the STUDENT Act, the organization has moved away from its foundational purpose by engaging in political activities that they argue negatively affect students’ education and parental rights. The criticism comes after NEA members voted earlier this month to end their relationship with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), citing disagreements over support for Israel.
“The NEA has exploited its federal charter to advance a radical political agenda that puts ideology before education,” said Sen. Lummis. “Wyoming parents and teachers deserve better than a union that prioritizes woke politics over student achievement. The resolution passed at the NEA Representative Assembly to cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League because of its support for Israel is abhorrent and does nothing to stem the rising tide of antisemitic incidents we’ve witnessed nationwide. Federal charters should be reserved for organizations that serve patriotic, charitable, historical, or educational purposes – not for unions that push divisive and antisemitic ideologies.”
Congressman Scott Fitzgerald also commented on what he views as a shift in priorities within the NEA: “The NEA long ago transformed from an educational association into a political machine, pushing a progressive agenda that puts activists ahead of students’ needs,” said Fitzgerald. “The STUDENT Act reins in NEA’s federal charter, restores accountability, and demands a return to its original purpose: educating, not indoctrinating, American children.”
Senator Ricketts added his perspective on congressional oversight: “The National Education Association has failed to respect its duties as a federally chartered organization or as a steward of children’s education,” said Sen. Ricketts. “Rather than promote educational outcomes, they promote a radical agenda that supports illegal immigration and teaches harmful gender ideology. It is time for Congress to restore oversight of the entity it created and make sure young Americans receive the education they deserve.”
Outside groups have expressed support for this legislative effort. Freedom Foundation CEO Aaron Withe stated: “Rep. Fitzgerald and Sen. Lummis should be commended for their leadership in introducing the STUDENT Act, which would address some of the NEA’s most concerning conduct and make it more accountable to the public and even its own members,” said Withe. “The Freedom Foundation is proud to stand with these courageous lawmakers in the fight to restore sanity to public education.”
Sarah Stern, President of Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET), endorsed both ADL’s position on Israel and efforts to address antisemitism: “The Endowment for Middle East Truth, EMET, is proud to endorse the STUDENT Act,” said Stern. “We solidly stand behind the ADL’s fight against the rising tide of antisemitism, which has skyrocketed in our country since October 7, 2023, as well as their position on Israel. We are appalled by the National Education Association’s blatant refusal to entertain the ADL’s professional, fair and balanced point of view, and that they have chosen to take a position that effectively condones Hamas’ atrocities against the Jewish people. It’s unfortunate that the NEA no longer works to fulfil its core mission of advancing an American bias-free education and has instead dedicated itself to political indoctrination and prejudice.”
Other senators co-sponsoring this legislation include Ted Cruz (R-TX), Jim Risch (R-ID), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), along with Senators Lummis and Ricketts.
According to findings from 2023 by Freedom Foundation researchers [https://www.freedomfoundation.com/], Title 36 organizations like those with federal charters typically operate under strict congressional oversight; however, analysis found that NEA’s governing documents are notably shorter than those required from other similar entities—leading critics to claim this provides room for limited scrutiny while still receiving taxpayer-funded benefits.
