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Issue Explainer

Racial and Social Justice

All people, whatever their color, background, or ZIP code, deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.
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Published: February 2, 2025

America’s strength comes from our ability to bridge difference—bringing together people from different places, different cultures, and different backgrounds for the good of us all.

For our nation to thrive, we cannot let anyone divide us based on where we come from, where we live, our religious beliefs, our age, our ability status, or income.

Educators prepare students to live in a diverse, interdependent world, and this requires confronting, examining, and addressing our own prejudices and biases.

Letters & Testimony

NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.

Bills in Congress

Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

  • Support

    S 4535 Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 www.congress.gov

    Introduced on May 14, 2026

    This bill would give schools the resources they need to tackle segregation by providing new grant funding to help public schools build voluntary, community-driven programs to cultivate diversity in the classrooms. The most segregated public schools are often the most underfunded, making it much harder for Black and Latino kids and students from low-income families to get a fair shot at a good education.

  • Support

    HR 6806 Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act (ARPA) www.congress.gov

    Introduced on December 17, 2025

    This bill includes a range of practical tools to combat antisemitism, including enhanced hate-crime tracking, prevention, and response. It would also provide critical security funding for nonprofit institutions where threats of violent, hate-motivated attacks are a growing problem.

  • Oppose

    HR 1526 No Rogue Rulings Act (NORRA) www.congress.gov

    Introduced on March 24, 2025

    This bill would sharply limit the ability of federal district courts to issue nationwide injunctions that halt, at least temporarily, unlawful and unconstitutional actions taken by the federal government while allowing litigation to proceed.

NEA member Lukas Michener
“The idea that we are neutral actors is false. We are not. We have lots of power. We meet with young people every day and we want to ensure there is a just and equitable educational experience for all of them.”
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.

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Education Justice

Visit NEA EdJustice to find ways you can take action and fight for racial, social, and economic justice in public education.
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