The Alarming Agenda Behind the Teachers' Union Convention

The recent American Federation of Teachers national convention was a clear display of the union's political agenda, with a heavy focus on keeping a Democrat in the White House and suppressing educational choice. From Randi Weingarten's fiery anti-Trump rhetoric to Kamala Harris' appearance, the event revealed the union's determination to maintain its grip on power and influence over the education system.

Uncovering the Troubling Undercurrents of the AFT Convention

Randi Weingarten's Incendiary Rant

Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), delivered a scathing and emotionally charged speech at the convention, warning of the "imminent violence and fascism" that would ensue if Donald Trump were to win the 2024 election. Her remarks, which included wild gestures and frenzied shouting, were more akin to a revival-tent meeting than a gathering of educators. Weingarten's rhetoric painted a dire picture of the "eradication of the rights and freedoms we hold dear" under a Trump presidency, despite the fact that the former president did not pursue such an agenda during his first term.

The Union's Agenda: Protecting Power, Not Students

The convention's agenda was clearly focused on maintaining the union's influence and power, rather than prioritizing the needs of students. Delegates proposed a host of resolutions that had little to do with education, such as calling for a cease-fire in Israel's war on Hamas, ending U.S. military aid to Israel, and condemning the supposed "genocide" in Gaza. While these resolutions were ultimately quashed in committee, they revealed the union's willingness to use its platform to push a radical-left political agenda.

Kamala Harris' Appearance: A Calculated Move

The appearance of Vice President Kamala Harris at the AFT convention was a calculated move, as she sought the endorsement of the union's members, who often make up a significant portion of the delegates at the Democratic convention. Harris' speech aligned with the union's "fight for our most fundamental freedoms" narrative, suggesting that she would continue to support the union's agenda if she were to become the Democratic presidential candidate.

The Backlash Against Educational Choice

The union's opposition to educational choice and parental involvement in their children's education was a central theme of the convention. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shift to remote learning exposed the shortcomings of the union-dominated public school system, leading to a growing demand for alternative educational options. In response, the Biden-Harris administration, at the request of teacher-union allies, has taken steps to silence parents who dare to speak out at local school board meetings.

The Union's War on Parental Rights

The union's rhetoric has become increasingly belligerent, with Weingarten warning that measures like Florida's 2022 parental-rights bill are "the way in which wars start." This suggests that the AFT and its counterpart, the National Education Association (NEA), are prepared to wage a war to prevent parents from exercising their right to have a say in their children's education. The union's goal is to maintain its power and control over the education system, even if it means trampling on the rights of parents and students.

The Troubling Implications for the Future

The events at the AFT convention have far-reaching implications for the future of education in the United States. The union's unwavering commitment to a Democratic administration, its willingness to use its platform for political purposes, and its aggressive stance against parental involvement all point to a concerning trend of prioritizing the union's interests over the needs of students and families. As the demand for educational choice continues to grow, the union's resistance to change threatens to further widen the gap between the education system and the communities it serves.