Large teachers' unions, among the most significant in the country, allegedly channeled close to $50 million to organizations with left-leaning agendas, according to a monitoring report.

Teachers' Unions Facing Criticism Over Political Spending

In a recent report by Defending Ed, a conservative watchdog group, it was revealed that the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have been contributing significantly to left-leaning causes and political groups since 2022.

According to the report, the unions have collectively donated close to a million dollars to the Center for American Progress and its 501(c)(4) arm. Moreover, they have been funding a wide range of left-leaning causes, spending a combined $43.5 million on state and federal political action committees and other left-wing entities.

The NEA and AFT have also been donating to groups that support left-wing candidates for public office, such as the Democratic Governors Association, the Democrat's House Majority, and Senate Majority PACs. Thousands of statewide, city, and county teachers unions are funding the same causes as the NEA and AFT.

Rhyen Staley, a researcher at Defending Ed, stated that the unions' priorities are advancing far-left politics and radical social justice issues, not the education of children. Aaron Withe, an expert on public-sector unions, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the NEA is appeasing the radical base of union members by advocating for radical ideological stances.

Withe's comments come as the Supreme Court struck down mandatory union dues, a decision that could potentially lead to a decline in union membership. However, Withe's comments also suggest that the decline in union membership has not led to an increase in value provided to members by the NEA.

In a positive development, Congressional Democrats are drafting legislation to increase the salaries of public school teachers. However, the spending patterns of the NEA and AFT raise questions about the alignment of their priorities with the needs of educators and students.

Despite repeated requests for comment, neither the NEA nor the AFT responded to Digital's requests for comment.

The report also highlighted that the Tides Network, New Venture Fund, Sixteen-Thirty Fund, and Future Forward received a combined nearly $1.5 million from the unions. The focus on funding left-wing causes and political groups has led to criticism that the unions are prioritising politics over education.

As the education system continues to evolve, it is essential that the focus remains on the needs of educators and students. The spending patterns of the NEA and AFT have raised concerns about the alignment of their priorities, and it is crucial that these concerns are addressed to ensure the best possible outcomes for educators and students.

Large teachers' unions, among the most significant in the country, allegedly channeled close to $50 million to organizations with left-leaning agendas, according to a monitoring report.