Washington, D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), along with Representative Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), today introduced the STUDENT Act, legislation that would impose necessary limitations and conditions on the National Education Association’s (NEA) federal charter to bring it in line with other federally chartered organizations and redirect it toward its original purpose of supporting teachers in America.
The NEA, which received its federal charter through an act of Congress, has strayed far from its original educational mission. Despite claiming to be “non-partisan,” the nation’s largest union has repeatedly supported divisive political causes through endorsements and financial contributions that harm students’ education and undermine parental rights. Earlier this month, the NEA members voted to cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) over its 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.”
“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 Congressman Scott 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.”
“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.”
“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 Freedom Foundation CEO Aaron Withe. “The Freedom Foundation is proud to stand with these courageous lawmakers in the fight to restore sanity to public education.”
“The Endowment for Middle East Truth, EMET, is proud to endorse the STUDENT Act,” said Sarah Stern, President of the Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET). “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.”
In addition to Senators Lummis and Ricketts, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) are original cosponsors.
Background:
A 2023 Freedom Foundation report revealed that the NEA’s federal charter is unusually brief compared to other Title 36 federally-chartered organizations, allowing the union to operate with minimal oversight while enjoying taxpayer-funded benefits.
Key Provisions of the STUDENT Act:
- Bans promotion of antisemitic beliefs, including harmful stereotypes about Jewish people, Holocaust denial or minimization, and hatred based on Jewish identity or connection to Israel
- Prohibits the union from promoting or requiring adherence to critical race theory concepts.
- Prohibits the NEA from engaging in electoral politics and lobbying, a restriction included in 60 percent of federal charters;
- Eliminates the NEA’s exemption from Washington, D.C. property taxes
- Requires explicit member consent for all dues and fees
- Mandates comprehensive record-keeping and document accountability
- Directs all assets to the Department of Treasury if the NEA dissolves
- Prohibits discrimination and hiring quotas
- Prevents the NEA and its affiliates from calling strikes or work stoppages
- Requires all NEA officers to be U.S. citizens
- Establishes transparent governance standards
So far, the STUDENT Act has been endorsed by the following state and national organizations:
- Alabama Policy Institute
- American for Fair Treatment
- Beacon Impact
- Buckeye Institute
- California Policy Center
- Center for the American Experiment
- Commonwealth Foundation
- Competitive Enterprise Institute
- Consumer Action for a Strong Economy
- Defense of Freedom Institute
- Endowment for Middle East Truth
- Foundation for Government Accountability
- Freedom Foundation
- Goldwater Institute
- Heartland Impact
- Heartland Institute
- Idaho Freedom Foundation
- Illinois Policy Institute
- Independent Women’s Voice
- Institute for Reforming Government Action Fund
- Institute for the American Worker
- John Locke Foundation
- Kansas Policy Institute
- Mackinac Center for Public Policy
- National Right to Work Committee
- Nevada Policy
- Palmetto Promise Institute
- Parents Defending Education Action
- Rio Grande Foundation
- Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy
- Upper Midwest Law Center
- Yankee Institute
- Young America’s Foundation
Read the full bill text here.