The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), a potent political force, is once again prioritizing politics over education. Next month, they will host a festival glorifying “the vibrant world of drag” specifically for public school teachers. This is not merely an event; it’s emblematic of a deeper problem in our education system, where far-left ideologies take precedence over essential academic priorities.
The NJEA, which represents a vast network of New Jersey educators, has become a financial juggernaut for Democratic campaigns. They have already funneled tens of millions into these efforts, including a recent endorsement for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill over Republican Jack Ciattarelli. This blatant political maneuvering exemplifies their true interests, which clearly do not align with the educational needs of our students.
Scheduled for November 7, the event titled “Drag is not a Crime: The Past, Present, and Future of Drag,” is nothing short of a blatant promotion of a radical agenda cloaked in the guise of educational enrichment. The NJEA’s “Consortium” is simply a vehicle for advancing diversity and inclusion rhetoric, aligning itself with minority communities while sidelining core educational values.
Echoing the party line, a recent NJEA post asserts, “Teachers, learning goes beyond classrooms! Get inspired to challenge norms & ignite creativity in the classroom! Drag is what education is all about.” Such statements reveal a troubling trend of prioritizing ideological conformity over actual educational performance.
Critics, including Ciattarelli’s campaign, have rightly pointed out that while the NJEA throws resources at drag shows, 80% of third graders in New Jersey schools cannot read at grade level. This shocking statistic underscores the complete disregard for fundamental educational outcomes by unions like the NJEA and politicians like Mikie Sherrill.
New Jersey State Representative Dawn Fantasia (R) accurately described the NJEA as “obsessed with activism over academics.” This union is clearly more invested in promoting an agenda than ensuring that our students are prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive world. Rather than fostering literacy and mathematical proficiency, they chase every fleeting social cause while neglecting the urgent needs of the classroom.
As we look ahead, it is imperative for parents and community members to demand accountability. When Jack Ciattarelli becomes Governor, he will place a renewed focus on restoring parental rights and returning education to its rightful purpose—teaching foundational skills, not pushing radical ideologies. The time is now to stand for our children’s education and take back the narrative from those who prioritize politics over learning.
