Leaked training materials from the National Education Association (NEA) reveal a strategy for teachers aimed at promoting gender and racial ideologies in classrooms. The documents, obtained prior to a scheduled workshop from December 2-6, 2023, outline approaches to counteract opposition from Republican groups and parental advocacy organizations, which they claim threaten educational progress.
The NEA’s training, titled “Advancing LGBTQ+ Justice and Transgender Advocacy,” accuses conservative factions of using “an arsenal of racist dog whistles” and “transphobic tropes” to create fear among the public. These materials instruct educators on how to integrate progressive views on gender and race into their teaching practices, including the use of inclusive language and advocacy for diverse gender identities.
In a section of the training materials, the NEA articulates a clear stance against what it describes as “anti-trans attacks” propagated by Republicans in state legislatures. The union asserts that these political actions exploit societal fears and perpetuate discrimination, stating, “The right has exploited ignorance about transgender people… to sabotage progressives on a broad range of issues.”
The NEA encourages teachers to view their role as pivotal in providing an inclusive curriculum that reflects the diverse identities of students. Suggestions for classroom language include promoting terms like “genders” to normalize various gender identities and encouraging the introduction of personal pronouns to foster an environment of acceptance.
The training documents also advise educators to identify and challenge political opponents, framing their actions as harmful to the rights of marginalized groups. “Certain politicians are pushing laws that restrict our freedoms… They exploit divisions and fears among us,” the materials state. This rhetoric aims to galvanize educators to advocate for social justice within school settings.
In discussions surrounding sports, the NEA suggests reframing critiques of transgender participation in women’s athletics as attacks against equality for all women. “Instead of striving for equality in sports, certain politicians are distracting us… by blaming transgender women,” the materials assert, emphasizing a narrative of solidarity against perceived discrimination.
Despite the controversy surrounding these training sessions, the NEA has not publicly responded to requests for comment on the leaked materials. The union remains the largest teachers’ organization in the United States, representing over 3 million educators and education professionals.
As the planned training approaches, the implications of these teachings on classroom dynamics and parental involvement are likely to be a topic of significant debate across educational communities. The NEA’s strong stance reflects a broader national conversation about the role of education in addressing issues of race, gender, and identity.