National Education Association Funds Protest Preparations

The National Education Association (NEA) is providing financial support to a group organizing anti-ICE protests scheduled to take place at public schools on May 1st. Activists are preparing for demonstrations that, in some cases, will occur outside school grounds.

Midwest Academy Training Activists

Midwest Academy, a Chicago-based advocacy group focused on social justice, has received approximately $1.4 million from the NEA since 2020. The organization is conducting training sessions for activists to prepare them to interact with “parents, educators, and students” prior to the protests. These sessions aim to “build a broader, stronger base” of support.

Protest Tactics and Demands

Promotional materials for the May 1st protests call for a “no work, no school, no shopping” day. The planned demonstrations will begin with rallies lasting 30 to 45 minutes outside schools, followed by participants entering school grounds. It remains unclear if protests will continue once demonstrators are on campus.

Concerns Raised About School Safety

Rhyen Staley, Director of Research at Defending Education, expressed concern over the planned protests. “This is yet another example of how activists and teachers unions view schools as a tool to advance their political agenda,” Staley stated. “Putting children’s education and safety at risk for political gain is unethical and immoral.”

“Four Weeks of Power” Training Series

Midwest Academy’s training program, titled “Four Weeks of Power,” focuses on equipping activists with skills to engage with students, teachers, and parents. The curriculum includes instruction on having “one-on-one conversations” to “connect more deeply” and understanding what “motivates” students to participate in activism. The final training session is scheduled for the day before the protests.

Coalition of Groups Involved

Midwest Academy is collaborating with a diverse range of organizations, including mainstream liberal groups, labor unions, and far-left organizations like the Party for Socialism and Liberation and Democratic Socialists of America chapters. The protesters’ demands align with those of the No Kings rallies, including restrictions on immigration enforcement, an end to the war in Iran, and increased taxes on the wealthy.