Largest US teachers' union considers backing away from Biden over Israel-Hamas conflict: report

Teachers are organizing to urge the National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the US with over 3 million members, to rescind its support for President Joe Biden’s re-election until there is a "permanent cease-fire" in Gaza.

Palestinian American social studies teacher in Oaklawn, IL Rahaf Othman told The Nation, "…our union has been very focused on racial and social justice, and supporting him when he is not only funding but also sending weapons killing my people sends me the message that we don’t matter, and that we are collateral damage and that’s OK."

According to the outlet, even a member of the NEA board of directors is joining the movement.

The teachers are reportedly demanding that the US end "sending military funding, equipment, and intelligence to Israel" and commit "to a fair due process for asylum-seekers and refugees."

Othman added, "Educators rallied together and created this group, Educators for Palestine. I am grateful they brought me along for the ride."

The educators are reportedly planning to withhold voluntary donations from the union’s political action committee "until NEA takes this step."

According to the outlet, NEA members pressured 19 local, state, and regional bodies of the NEA to pass resolutions calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

NEA President Rebecca Pringle even tweeted in support of a cease-fire.

According to The Nation, NEA members are planning to protest with the American Federation of Teachers at an NEA board meeting in February.

Teachers’ union members have been at the forefront of anti-Israel rallies and protests across the US.

In Seattle, teachers’ union members bragged on social media about blockading a freeway that trapped hundreds of people and at least two ambulances for 6 hours.