Teachers union vote surrounded by protests and accusations of antisemitism

The National Education Association will vote on several new business items in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , on Wednesday that are the subject of protests and accusations of antisemitism .

Educators for Palestine organized a rally in support of pro-Palestinian initiatives set to occur during the NEA’s annual Representative Assembly, and StandWithUs responded with a "counter-rally" coinciding with the pro-Palestinian demonstration to voice their concerns with the NBIs.

The two groups are scheduled to begin their rallies at 4:30 p.m. Delegates will be voting on items during the assembly , which will run from 10 a.m. on Thursday to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

There are at least 11 NBIs causing controversy. Of the NBIs obtained by the National Review , StandWithUs mentioned five, including three set to be voted on that call for the NEA to align itself with boycott, divestment, and sanctions initiatives, one asking the NEA to deny the connection between antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and one calling for the NEA to promote Palestinian narratives about the founding of Israel.

SWU, an international education organization that supports Israel and fights antisemitism, issued a June 24 statement condemning the NBIs as “antisemitic and anti-Israel” ahead of the assembly. The statement said the NBIs would “not only harm Jewish members, but also undermine the integrity of public education."

“This rally is a way for us to voice our concerns and stand in solidarity with Jewish educators and students who deserve a safe and inclusive environment,” David Smokler, SWU director of K-12 education outreach, told the Washington Examiner. “By gathering publicly, we can highlight the urgent need for the NEA delegates to reject these biased proposals and reaffirm its commitment to an unbiased, fact-based education for all.”

"We believe that organizing a rally in front of the convention center during the NEA Representative Assembly is essential to bring attention to the deeply troubling nature of these antisemitic and anti-Israel New Business Items,” Smokler added.

The Washington Examiner reached out to both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rally organizers.

The Philadelphia Police Department is aware of “two separate groups' intent to protest/counter protest” in the 1200 Arch area outside the convention center, a spokesperson confirmed to the Washington Examiner. The department's Civil Affairs Unit will be at the scene to “mediate disputes” and prevent hostilities from boiling over to the point of danger, and the police will also have “bike cops” present because they’re effective at “getting in the middle of opposing groups,” according to police.

“PPD will be there to support 1st Amendment expression by both sides, while keeping everyone safe,” the spokesperson said, adding that the police will “ensure traffic safety if the protestors march.”

The 2024 delegate meeting isn’t the first National Education Association Representative Assembly to see contention over NBIs targeting Israel.

In 2021, one NBI called for “support for the Palestinian struggle” and demanded that the United States cut off support for Israel. Another called for the NEA to partner with No Way to Treat a Child, a campaign run by leaders tied to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. StandWithUs condemned these NBIs as well.

The National Education Association is the largest labor union in the U.S. It represents public school teachers, support personnel, college faculty and staff, retired educators, and college students preparing to become teachers. NEA’s PAC overwhelmingly donates to Democratic candidates and causes, according to OpenSecrets data.

The union, of which first lady Jill Biden is a member , has endorsed President Joe Biden and has worked to get him reelected. Earlier this year, however, a rank-and-file campaign within NEA demanded Biden stop aiding Israel and pushed for the union to rescind their endorsement of him until their anti-Israel demands were met.

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“It is critical that the NEA hears from the community and understands the real-world impact these NBIs could have on fostering division and discrimination in our schools,” Smokler said. “This rally provides an opportunity for delegates to see a large group of Jewish people, hear directly from them, and engage in meaningful discussions about these critical issues.”

The Washington Examiner reached out to the National Education Association for comment.