Teachers urge union to withdraw Biden endorsement unless he supports Hamas, says report
Teachers Pressure National Education Association to Withdraw Biden Endorsement
Reports have emerged that some teachers are urging the National Education Association (NEA), the largest labor union in the United States, to revoke its endorsement of President Joe Biden. Their demand stems from Biden’s decision to provide aid to Israel and his failure to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The Nation recently highlighted a “small-but-growing campaign” led by teachers who have started circulating a petition among NEA chapters nationwide. The petition calls on the NEA to withdraw its endorsement of Biden until he secures a permanent ceasefire and stops sending military funding, equipment, and intelligence to Israel.
Members of the NEA teachers union want to revoke their endorsement of Joe Biden in the 2024 election until he secures a “permanent cease-fire” and stops “sending military funding, equipment, and intelligence to Israel.”
NEA members won’t be happy until America abandons Israel in… pic.twitter.com/8hfxPpvxlH
— Nicki Neily (@nickineily) January 23, 2024
The petition outlines several demands, including a permanent ceasefire, an end to military support for Israel, diplomatic pressure to address Gaza’s blockade and settlement activity, and the release of political prisoners and hostages. It also calls for Israel to comply with international law and human rights principles, such as ending the occupation and dismantling the apartheid wall.
According to The Nation, teachers like Rahaf Othman from Illinois have expressed their distress over Israel’s military strikes against Hamas in Gaza. However, they fail to acknowledge the unprovoked attack by Hamas on Israel. Othman’s experiences led her to join the group Educators for Palestine, which aims to rally educators together in support of their cause.
Aaron Phillips, a fifth-grade teacher from Texas, also voiced his support for withdrawing the NEA’s Biden endorsement. He mentioned a growing group of board members who share this sentiment and expressed confidence in receiving support for his motion.
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How does endorsing President Biden’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza contradict the principles of human rights, peace, and justice that educators strive to instill in their students?
Telligence support to Israel.
The teachers argue that as educators, they have a responsibility to speak out against violence and injustice, both domestically and internationally. They believe that Biden’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza contradicts the principles of human rights, peace, and justice that they strive to instill in their students.
According to the teachers, endorsing Biden while he continues to provide aid to Israel sends a message that the NEA supports the oppression and suffering of Palestinians. They argue that this stance undermines the NEA’s commitment to social justice and educational equity.
The campaign has gained traction among educators who are deeply troubled by the loss of innocent lives in Gaza, particularly among children. They argue that as educators, their primary concern is the welfare and well-being of all children, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. They believe that endorsing Biden without holding him accountable for his stance on the current crisis in the Middle East is a betrayal of their commitment to promoting peace and understanding among students.
Furthermore, the teachers argue that Biden’s stance on Israel undermines the NEA’s advocacy for adequate and equitable funding for public education. They believe that the vast resources allocated for military support could be better used to address the urgent needs of schools, students, and educators in the United States.
The petition circulating among NEA chapters aims to give teachers a platform to voice their concerns and demand accountability from their labor union. They hope that by withdrawing its endorsement of Biden, the NEA can send a clear message that the organization stands for principles of justice, equality, and peace.
In response to the campaign, the NEA released a statement acknowledging the concerns raised by teachers and reaffirming its commitment to advocating for peace and justice. The organization stated that it is in ongoing discussion with its members to address their concerns and find ways to ensure the NEA’s endorsement aligns with its values and the aspirations of its members.
While it remains to be seen whether the NEA will heed the calls of these teachers, the campaign signifies a growing discontent among educators who believe that their labor union should take a more active stance on political issues that impact education and global justice.
As teachers continue to pressure the NEA to withdraw its endorsement of President Biden, their efforts shed light on the larger debate surrounding the role of labor unions in endorsing political candidates. Some argue that labor unions should solely focus on collective bargaining and improving working conditions for their members, while others believe that labor unions have a responsibility to advocate for broader social and political issues.
Regardless of the outcome, the campaign led by these teachers demonstrates the power and influence of educators in shaping public discourse and holding political leaders accountable. Their initiative serves as a reminder that teachers are not just educators but also agents of change who strive to create a more just and equitable society for all.
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