For the third year in a row, the StandWithUs K-12 Fairness Center was on the ground to support the National Education Association (NEA) Jewish Affairs Caucus (JAC) at the NEA’s annual Representative Assembly (RA). In recent years, the RA has been a hostile environment for many Jewish educators, as extremists have tried to use the NEA’s power as the nation’s largest union to attack Israel and the Jewish people. This year’s RA was held from July 3-7 in Denver, Colorado, and our K-12, community, and research teams mobilized months in advance to coordinate with partners, organize a Shabbat dinner to welcome the Jewish delegates and allies; and lead a rally to show support for teachers and oppose hate in schools.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the JAC, RA delegates took historic steps by adopting three constitutional amendments and a resolution on Jewish education that together strengthen the inclusion, representation, and participation of Jewish educators within the NEA.
In addition, delegates adopted a Resolution on Jewish Education, formally recognizing the importance of Jewish history, identity, culture, and education within NEA’s policy framework. The resolution affirms the importance of Jewish educational experiences as part of the Association’s broader commitment to inclusive education.
These achievements were not the result of a single speech, vote, or organization. They were made possible through months, and in many cases years, of relationship building, coalition building, respectful dialogue, and the courage of educators and allies who believed meaningful change is possible when people choose to work together.
