On the 4th of July, a day celebrating independence in the United States, education unions from across the globe are uniting in support of the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
As public education and its stakeholders face significant challenges under the policies of President Donald Trump, education unionists worldwide are mobilizing to defend the rights of teachers, students, and school communities.
In recent times, the current administration has implemented measures that threaten the integrity of public education, such as cutting funding, dismantling the Department of Education, and cancelling vital diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Additionally, universities are being financially pressured to censor free speech, further undermining the right to education and the freedom to learn.
During the Representative Assembly of the NEA held in Portland, EI General Secretary David Edwards passionately addressed the audience, reminding them that their international peers stand firmly in solidarity during these challenging times.
“On this 4th of July, the teachers, activists, and unions from EI stand ready to extend their solidarity with you as you have done with them,” he urged.
Adding to the message, Mugwena Maluleke, Education International President, emphasized their unwavering support: “You are not alone. We stand in solidarity with you. All of our members have pledged their solidarity with you as you face this dark moment. We know that this is our duty – to resist.”
From countries such as Taiwan, Brazil, Senegal, Canada, Hungary, and Australia, Education International member organizations have rallied to express their solidarity with American educators, emphasizing the need to protect schools and democratic values.
Jo Grady, General Secretary of the University and College Union in the United Kingdom, resonated with these sentiments, declaring, “When education is under attack, we fight back. When academic freedom is threatened, we stand together. And when students, especially the most marginalized, are targeted, we defend them with everything we’ve got. You are not alone. The entire international trade union movement has your back. Keep fighting. You can and you will win.”
Alfonso Cepeda Salas, General Secretary of SNTE Mexico and a member of the EI Executive Board, stressed the importance of respect and resources for teachers and education support staff.
“Teachers and education support staff deserve respect, resources and the freedom to teach the truth without censorship.
Students, especially those who are most vulnerable, deserve safe, inclusive, and well-resourced schools. From Mexico, we see you, we support you, we are with you. Union solidarity knows no borders.”
Addressing the similar challenges faced by educators in the U.S. and Argentina, Roberto Baradel, EI Executive Board member from CTERA Argentina, expressed confidence in the power of international solidarity: “I believe that our common fight will succeed in reversing this situation.”
Correna Haythorpe, Federal President of the Australian Education Union and EI Executive Board member, condemned the Trump administration’s attacks on public education, stating that these impacts extend beyond America, affecting the global education community.
“To the NEA and the AFT, we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you in solidarity in this fight,” she reaffirmed.
Echoing this message of support, Marième Sakho Dansokho, EI Vice-President for Africa and General Secretary of the Teacher Trade Union of Senegal (SYPROS), stated, “From Senegal, we stand with you. You have all our solidarity. Solidarity in defense of public education, of inclusion, of diversity. We teach, we march, we defend human rights. In the classrooms, in the streets, in our communities, we support each other. SYPROS together with Education International tell you: Solidarity, solidarity, solidarity!”
In a similar vein, Heleno Araújo, EI Vice-President for Latin America and President of CNTE Brazil, expressed his commitment to providing unwavering support to educators in the U.S.: “We are coming together to extend our solidarity and all our support and strength to educators in the United States. You can count on us, on our solidarity to overcome this difficult moment.”
Finally, Maike Finnern, EI Vice-President for Europe and President of GEW Germany, reinforced their collective commitment to advancing public education and the rights of education workers.
“For public education, for freedom of expression, for diversity, equity and inclusion, for academic freedom, for the rights of education workers, we will continue to support your important struggle to defend democracy,” she concluded.
image source from：ei-ie
