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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2002

News Release

Statement of the National Education Association on the Ruling of the Thurston County (Washington) Superior Court to Vacate a Default Judgment

The National Education Association (NEA) was vindicated today by a Thurston County (Wash.) Superior Court judge who vacated a default judgment that had been entered against the NEA on July 1. The earlier judgment arose out of action pursued by the Evergreen Freedom Foundation (EFF).

NEA presented evidence demonstrating that the default judgment was based on a misrepresentation of the facts presented by EFF. NEA has not been able to have the facts of the case heard before the Public Disclosure Commission or the Thurston County court because of EFF's recurring rush to judgment.

In April, EFF interrupted the procedures of the Public Disclosure Commission - in a complaint it had filed - because it was unhappy with the report of the Public Disclosure Commission's staff recommendation. In June, it jumped the gun in persuading a court to issue a default judgment, even though NEA had fully complied with the Court's requirement to respond to EFF's complaint.

Bob Chase, president of the National Education Association, added:

"NEA condemns the tactics used by the EFF as irresponsible and unprofessional. We are confident that given the opportunity to make our case in a full and fair hearing, we will show that NEA has followed the regulations and laws of the State of Washington.

"We are now exploring our options in seeking sanctions or other appropriate remedies against the Evergreen Freedom Foundation for its actions in this matter."

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.