NEA Helps Schools Support Immigrant Students
As immigration policies shift under the Trump administration, NEA is working to protect students and uphold their right to public education, regardless of immigration status, according to the 1982 Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court decision. NEA urges educators to work with their local union to take immediate action:
- Declare schools as safe zones: Ban immigration data collection and establish strict response protocols for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- Empower families with legal knowledge: Distribute “Know Your Rights” materials (nea.org/Immigration), host information workshops, and promote the Notifica app, which sends alerts during immigration raids.
- Ensure emergency preparedness: Help families create guardianship plans and secure legal contacts. Learn more at bit.ly/ILRCFamilyPrep.
- Equip families with red cards: This wallet-size card helps individuals invoke legal protections. Order free cards at ilrc.org/Red-Cards.
Take action at nea.org/SafeZones.
NEA Sues Trump Administration
On March 24, 2025, NEA and other advocacy groups sued the Trump Administration for its unlawful attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED)—a move that harms students and blatantly defies constitutional limits on executive power.
On March 5, 2025, NEA, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the New Hampshire affiliates of both organizations filed a lawsuit against ED for its Feb. 14, 2025, “Dear Colleague” letter, which threatens to withhold federal funds from public schools for engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
The lawsuit argues that the letter imposes unlawful restrictions on what educators can teach and students can learn. At press time, both suits were pending.
NEA Organizes School “Walk-Ins” to Protest Federal Cuts to Education
On March 19, 2025, as President Donald Trump prepared to sign an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, thousands of educators, parents, students, and community leaders across the country gathered in front of their schools in the morning and “walked in” together in solidarity. Organized by NEA, the walk-ins sent a loud and clear message to elected officials everywhere: The Trump administration is hurting millions of students so they can give tax handouts to billionaires. School communities have had enough and are standing strong to support public schools! Raise your voice at nea.org/Protect.
