Parents Want Teachers in Classrooms, Not in Protests

A citywide student walkout occurred on Friday, organized by a self-described “youth-led movement” protesting federal immigration enforcement and events in Minnesota. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), New York City’s powerful teachers union, has already issued an emergency resolution calling for demonstrations in solidarity with the protest.

Many parents and educators respect students’ right to express their views. But they are asking a reasonable question: why is school time, and union infrastructure, being used to advance political activism instead of education?

Unfortunately, New York is not an isolated case. Across the country, teachers unions are increasingly placing political protests ahead of classroom stability and student learning. The pattern is troubling and growing.

In Minnesota, multiple school districts canceled classes following protests tied to the Renee Good shooting. In response, Fridley Public Schools and Minneapolis Public Schools suspended in-person learning -- not due to unsafe classroom conditions, but amid union-driven political pressure that shifted focus away from keeping schools open.