Education Week: NEA adds new membership category for non-educators

On July 5th, the National Education Association voted by 68.9% of votes cast to add a new category of membership for 'public education allies,' Education Week has reported.

Non-educator members would not have voting or nomination rights, nor would they be able to run for or hold office in the union. The status would, however, make it possible for these members to donate to the NEA's Political Action Committee. The union also believes the move will open up lines of communication between educators and the community.

Union leaders view the move as part of an effort to counteract the effects that last years Janus vs. AFSCME decision has had on membership by providing an avenue for supporters to financially support the union. Some members are concerned, however, that these non-educators could use their contributions to the NEA PAC as a way to sway the PAC in directions educators may not support.