Posted on 08/09/2022 3:35:57 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A state senator is accusing the New Jersey Education Association of “resorting to KGB tactics” through its effort to gather information about political skirmishes over schools through its Center for Honesty in Education.
The teachers’ union says the center aims to combat disinformation and dangerous rhetoric in local school districts. But Sen. Ed Durr, R-Gloucester, said it’s a bid to squash parents and community groups who challenge the indoctrination of children in schools.
“This is outrageous that because parents want to voice their concerns and their opinions about their child’s education that they’re encouraging teachers and board members now to start making a list of concerned parents,” Durr said. “To me, that kind of – I don’t know how you would say – goes against the freedom of expression.”
“Just because they don’t agree with you, now you’re going to make a list about them,” he said. “And who are you going to keep that list for? Where is it going to be notified to?”
The NJEA’s Center for Honesty in Education started last school year but has gotten renewed attention among union critics this summer.
Its website says the center seeks to “discredit bad actors who seek to politicize our public schools.” It says the problems for which it can provide helpful resources include book banning, anti-inclusion activity and organized political groups.
“It is shocking, but telling, that some people are so threatened by our commitment to tell the truth,” said Steve Baker, the NJEA’s communications director:
“When there are efforts to spread misinformation and disinformation in our communities, we are going to counter that with facts and truth,” he said. “That might be threatening to people who rely on fear and falsehoods to drive their political agenda, but we are committed to truth telling because we are committed to preparing students to be thoughtful, informed and engaged citizens.
“When there are efforts to ban books, to censor curriculum and to prevent students from learning important truths about the past, we are going to fight for the broad, inclusive and comprehensive education that New Jersey students need and deserve,” Baker said. “We will not sit silently while anyone tries to control and limit what other people’s children are allowed to learn.”
Durr said the union is mischaracterizing the pushback being seen at school board meetings.
“It’s not about book banning. It’s about appropriate education. We have restrictions in what can be taught already. Is that book banning? You’ve had people go to court to argue that religion shouldn’t be taught in public schools. So are they banning the Bible? Is that book banning?” he said. “Why is it all of a sudden when one person says that they don’t want this taught to their child, it’s considered book banning? That’s just what they want for their child. They should have that right.”
Durr said the NJEA is “running a de facto intelligence agency” in which teachers are monitoring what parents say, leaving them at risk of attacks by the NJEA. He said even people who don’t speak out at school board meetings are uneasy with what the union is doing.
“I’ve had overwhelming support that agree with my views on this. I haven’t had anybody say it’s for a good purpose of whatever. Nobody has said that. They’re all against this,” Durr said.
Durr said he doesn’t know what the NJEA will do with the information it gathers and whether it will be shared with the state for some purpose.
“I wouldn’t want to even speculate. I would be fearful. I guess there are wild, paranoid thoughts of what they could be trying to pursue,” Durr said. “Could they blacklist a person from a job, from employment of a sort or maybe government work or what have you? Who knows? Could it hurt someone trying to get a loan for a home or car? I don’t know.”
Just thinking … maybe we need to get rid of public sector unions. Naw, that would never improve anything. I better stop this thinking business
He is wrong...they are much worse.
Your Union dues at work. Aint that great.
Ed Durr is great. One of the few bright spots in NJ politics.
“Ed Durr is great. One of the few bright spots in NJ politics.”
DAMN RIGHT - He’s our trucker friend who tossed out the mobster-looking guy who was about to run things in Trenton.
Hillsdale College is working on new charter schools all over the country.
Tennessee (?) asked for 250.
That’s great to hear about Hillsdale College. I watch an interview with their President over the weekend. (Old video, but very good.)
Still no STEM classes, though, right?
Not complaining, just wondering.
They get bolder and bolder
Durr is the truck driver who took down the president of the State Senate - a corrupt swamp creature who been there for years
Go Ed Go
Your PROPERTY TAXES at work (which funnel through high teacher salaries into the unions, then on to Dem coffers).
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