News

Blackburn, Harris Lead Fight to Hold National Education Association Accountable for Putting Politics Over Students

July 18, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representative Mark Harris (R-N.C.) introduced the National Education Association Charter Repeal Act to revoke the congressional charter of the nation’s largest teachers’ union and the only labor union with a federal charter:

“Time and again, teachers’ unions have shown they’ll put their political agenda ahead of students’ needs,” said Senator Blackburn. “The National Education Association has made it crystal clear it’s a partisan organization, and it shouldn’t be rewarded with a federal charter that platforms woke gender ideology, antisemitism, and left-wing propaganda. Our students deserve better.”

“Congress established the NEA in 1906 to support America’s teachers and strengthen our schools, but it has abandoned that mission in favor of a radical agenda,” said Representative Harris. “From branding President Trump a fascist to embracing divisive gender ideology and walking away from efforts to fight antisemitism, the NEA has become nothing more than a partisan advocacy group. Since the NEA is clearly not prioritizing students, parents or even teachers, it's time to remove Congress’ seal of approval from this rogue organization.”

BACKGROUND

  • Last week, the National Education Association (NEA) voted to fight against President “Trump’s embrace of fascism,” promote LGBTQ events in public schools, and sever all ties with the Anti-Defamation League. These latest examples of NEA’s blatant political bias, along with its recent promotion of hatred and antisemitism, are a clear departure from the organization’s intended purpose.
  • The NEA has a long list of egregious violations of public trust:
    • In the 2024 election cycle, 98 percent of NEA political donations went to Democrats. 
    • In 2023, the NEA partnered with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), who collaborated with the Target Corporation to promote an obscene, radical agenda in their stores.
    • In July 2021, the NEA adopted measures to support critical race theory.
    • The NEA stood in the way of reopening schools in 2020 and 2021 by threatening strikes and influencing CDC guidance process to make it harder for schools to reopen.

THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION CHARTER REPEAL ACT

The National Education Association Charter Repeal Act would:

  • Eliminate the congressional authorization of the NEA; and
  • Formally remove Congress’ “seal of approval” and the suggestion that the government is responsible for the NEA’s operations.

Click here for bill text.

ENDORSEMENTS

The National Education Association Charter Repeal Act is endorsed by Moms for Liberty, Heritage Action, Young America’s Foundation, American Principles Project, and the National Right to Work.

“It’s incredibly sad that the nation’s largest teachers union has put woke politics before America's children. The NEA’s embrace of radical left policies and antisemitism combined with their rejection of parental rights has forced moms and dads across America to condemn this organization. Moms For Liberty is incredibly thankful for Congressman Mark Harris, and his bold stand to remove the NEAs congressional charter. While other members just talk, Mark stepped up and took action,” said Tina Descovich, CEO of Moms for Liberty.