The National Education Association's conference on Racial and Social Justice includes extremist speakers and a session on "what antisemitism is and is not"

The NEA, the largest teacher association in the country, is holding its annual Racial and Social Justice conference in Portland, Oregon

The National Education Association (NEA) is holding its annual Racial and Social Justice conference from the 29th of June to July 1st in Portland, Oregon.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Promote. Protect. Strengthen. Public Education: A Joyous Rebellion!”

Together with educators, creatives, activists, organizers and other leaders we will advance racial and social justice for Our Schools, through the power of Our Stories and organize for Our Future.

The Conference on Racial and Social Justice is presented by NEA’s Center for Racial and Social Justice. The purpose of the conference is to provide a unique space for educators, students, parents and families, organizers, community members and leaders to unite for the advancement of Justice in Education.

What’s on the agenda?

You’ll be relieved to see that “Rest as Resistance” stations are available throughout the conference. Right next to the “Afternoon naps for Anarchists” and “Coffee and Danish as a site of protest" rooms.

So what are the some of the sessions one might attend when not napping in the resistance room?

Authenticity, Rigor, & Impact: Pedagogies of Disruption:

Let's explore the connection between freedom dreaming and instructional design. This dynamic workshop dives into the intersection of social justice and education, shifting the focus from surfacelevel changes to the deeper transformation of how knowledge is constructed. It’s not just about diverse books or welcoming spaces—it’s about restoring agency to students through HOW they learn. We’ll explore instructional strategies that disrupt oppressive learning practices and restore power and ownership to students. By embracing project-based, place-based, and community-based learning, and anti-oppressive practices, we'll explore how to center purpose, unlock authentic learning, and ignite transformative change for students and educators alike

Building Narrative Power for Education Justice:

In light of the dangerous anti-truth and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being proposed and passed in states across the country, we need narrative power to win. During this workshop, attendees will discuss what narrative power-building is, what it means for this moment in the education justice movement, and what are the most effective strategies for building narrative power to defeat attacks on public education. Attendees will analyze the current state of the most prevalent narratives that impact their communities, name how narrative power is built in their work, and identify ways to collaborate and strategize across locales and states to push forth an affirmative vision for what education should look and feel like.

Navigating Institutional Spaces as Sites of Struggle:

This session is being run by Thuraya Zeidan of Decolonize the Classroom. Zeidan is no stranger to this substack thanks to her extreme views against “normalization”, liberalism and endorsement of armed struggle.

As an aside - Zohran Mamdani, the DSA-backed candidate for mayor of New York City, who founded the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter of his university, took part in protests, refused to condemn ‘globalize the Intifada” and put out this statement on October 8th, 2023

Is not pro-Palestine or radical enough for Zeidan:

so what is Zeidan’s session about?

This session will delve into the dynamics of schools as sites of struggle in the movement for social change. We begin by recognizing deeply embedded stratifications of unequal social power. We will hold space to share experiences of navigating our way through school systems in pursuit of a more just society. We will discuss the importance of adults sharing power with young people and what it looks like to put critical social justice into action in schools. Attendees will be invited to consider the gap that exists between holding values of social justice and the practice of social justice. By studying phenomena found in the natural world, we are offered models to community organizing and the opportunity to open the door to emergence.

The Power of Inclusion: Bringing LGBTQ+ History into Our Classrooms:

NEA and Making Gay History (MGH) have partnered to introduce teachers and students to LGBTQ+ history through the voices of the people who lived it. Mary Hendra and Eric Marcus will share some of the inspiring stories of “accidental activists” and deliberate change makers who are featured in the Making Gay History podcast and anchor new lessons and accompanying resources created by NEA teachers from across the country through the MGH/NEA Teacher Fellowship (https://makinggayhistory.org/lessons/). The session will feature archival audio excerpts from interviews with Bayard Rustin, Deborah Johnson & Zandra Rolón Amato, Sylvia Rivera and more.

Understanding and Combating Antisemitism: Myths, Realities, and Effective Responses: (the speakers for this event have not been made public. I’ve reached out to the NEA for clarification)

Antisemitism is one of the oldest and most persistent forms of prejudice, yet misconceptions about what it is—and what it is not—continue to cloud discussions and hinder effective action. This session aims to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of antisemitism, exploring its historical roots, modern manifestations, and common misconceptions. Participants will learn how to distinguish between legitimate criticism and antisemitic rhetoric, fostering a more nuanced dialogue. Whether you're an educator, community leader, ally, or simply seeking to deepen your understanding, this session will provide valuable insights and actionable steps to challenge antisemitism and promote inclusivity.

What Does “Decolonizing” Mean and How Does It Relate to Social Justice?:

This workshop offers a dynamic blend of hands-on activities, engaging videos, and small group discussions to delve into social justice topics from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples. We will examine why integrating Indigenous viewpoints is crucial in anti-racism efforts across what is now known as the United States. But how can we achieve this? Participants will engage with thoughtprovoking questions, such as: What aspects of U.S. history are often overlooked? What do colonization and colonialism truly mean, and why is it important to acknowledge them? How can we work toward decolonization? All activities are adaptable for participants ranging from grade 4 to adults. Join us in this critical exploration of history and justice.

Beyond Surviving: Creating Schools Where Trans & Non-Binary Students Thrive:

Do you believe that transgender and non-binary students should have all they need to thrive in school? This session is for you! Research has shown that having at least one supportive adult can save a transgender child’s life and with over 550 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in over 40 states in 2024, our students need us to be educated, affirm their identities, include them in curriculum and disrupt push-back when it comes. Based on the framework from “The Advocate Educator’s Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender and Non-Binary Students Thrive” (Jossey-Bass, 2024), participants will dig into the current policy landscape, take a self-assessment, collaborate with peers on relevant scenarios and create an action plan.

Organizing for Power & Justice: Practical Skills for All Leadership Levels:

Participants will gain an understanding of organizing tools (1:1 conversations, power mapping, etc.) Attendees will learn about the relationship between organizing, power, and racial and social justice. Designed for all levels and job classifications, educators will have an aha moment and take away something they can implement in their local association and their respective communities. More experienced organizers will learn to begin examining their practice through a racial/social justice lens, gain some tools to bring more joy and union solidarity into their work, and keep local organizing sustainable in the long term.

RAPS: Reciprocal Active Pedagogical Strategies:

This workshop provides guidance on how to leverage rap as a pedagogical tool for lessons on racial, social, and environmental justice. By creating a classroom environment in which rap is used to both deliver course content and assess acquisition of course content, students participate in a concept known as reciprocal determinism, in which the environment, behaviors, and persons involved in the learning process all influence one another. In addition, by actively participating in the creation and repetition of rap songs alongside their peers, according to a combination of constructivist theory and social learning theory, students improve their self-efficacy, self-regulation, overall knowledge, and drive to solve issues of injustice.

Picture Books and Primary Sources: Engaging Students in Honest History:

After a brief introduction, teachers will divide into grade level groups, select one picture from those I provide, read it aloud, and brainstorm how it can be incorporated into their curriculum. They will then locate related primary sources and begin planning instructional activities. As a result of this hands-on workshop participants will be able to: 1. Apply Social Justice Standards to their teaching, 2. Use picture books to inspire students of all ages, 3. Find and use primary sources to address US history, and 4. Evaluate the appropriateness of classroom materials through a racial and social justice lens.

Also on the speakers list is Cierra Kaler-Jones, the executive director of Rethinking Schools and Dr. Theresa Montano, of the Liberated Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Consortium and this gem

Now, in case you were planning on going but are worried about etiquette - never fear, the NEA has an official “pronouns guide” for you to follow:

Well at least we know that when attendees are listening to the likes of Thuraya Zeidan and Theresa Montano their pronouns are being respected.