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NEA ordered to end hassles over religion
Washington Times ^ | Tuesday, May 21, 2002 | By Ellen Sorokin

Posted on 05/20/2002 10:40:10 PM PDT by JohnHuang2

Edited on 07/12/2004 3:53:47 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ordered the National Education Association and its state affiliates to stop violating the religious rights of members who disagree with the union's political causes.

In a ruling made public yesterday, the federal agency said it would sue the nation's largest teachers union if it did not stop forcing teachers who categorized themselves as "religious objectors" to undergo annual written procedures so their dues would not fund the union's political agenda.


(Excerpt) Read more at washtimes.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: education; educationnews; nea; teachersunion
Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Quote of the Day by Jorge

1 posted on 05/20/2002 10:40:10 PM PDT by JohnHuang2
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To: *Education News

2 posted on 05/20/2002 10:44:10 PM PDT by Libertarianize the GOP
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To: jwalsh07;onyx;JudyB1938;EdReform;karebare;Recovering_Democrat;I still care;ChemistCat...
Hope the word gets out. Every dollar which doesn't go to the union is less money for the Democrat party.
3 posted on 05/20/2002 10:46:19 PM PDT by LarryLied
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To: JohnHuang2
Why are the teachers forced to pay anyone anything? Why are they forced to join a union?
4 posted on 05/20/2002 10:48:32 PM PDT by Judith Anne
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To: JohnHuang2
I actually have more respect for organized crime than I do the NEA. The NEA is the most destructive organization in the country. I hope this is the beginning of the end of that hellish beast. In fact, I know its the beginning of the end because "the wicked SHALL be removed, and the righteous will inherit the Earth." Repent NEA, or you will surely perish.
5 posted on 05/20/2002 10:57:03 PM PDT by Russell Scott
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To: Judith Anne
There is peer pressure primarily. But, in many "closed shop" states, you *must* belong to a union to be accepted for certain jobs.

What I want to know is how the union can justify an annual exam for opting out of dues-paying when these slackers take nine months just to finish the paperwork.

BTW, the courts have ruled in other cases that union members can prohibit their dues being used for political purposes if the union member disagrees with the union's political agenda. There was a suit against the Communication Workers of America that the Supremes ruled in favor of about ten years ago which focused on that very issue.

6 posted on 05/20/2002 11:06:30 PM PDT by Tall_Texan
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To: Tall_Texan
Thanks for your informative response...Hubby taught for 10 years, (quit 20 years ago) so my question was largely rhetorical, but your answer made it worth asking. ;-D
7 posted on 05/20/2002 11:15:40 PM PDT by Judith Anne
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To: Tall_Texan
The famous Beck Decision which Reno refused to enforce.


8 posted on 05/20/2002 11:23:07 PM PDT by LarryLied
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To: Russell Scott
The NEA is the most destructive organization in the country.

It is, and doubly dangerous because it seems most parents with children in the public schools are not aware of the power the NEA wields and their vile agenda.

9 posted on 05/20/2002 11:31:23 PM PDT by keri
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To: Russell Scott
You are correct sir.
10 posted on 05/20/2002 11:32:48 PM PDT by SoDak
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To: LarryLied
BTTT for good news
11 posted on 05/21/2002 12:30:44 AM PDT by Cultural Jihad
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To: JohnHuang2
at last, some good news tonight john... thanks.
12 posted on 05/21/2002 12:39:47 AM PDT by Robert_Paulson2
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To: Robert_Paulson2
I didn`t relize the EEOC had that kind of power.

"The evidence obtained during the investigation establishes a violation of a federal statute has occurred,"

If I "violate a federal statute",will they just tell me to stop doing it?

13 posted on 05/21/2002 12:50:00 AM PDT by philetus
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To: philetus
you or me... we get arrested. UNIONS however, go to legal WAR over this stuff.
14 posted on 05/21/2002 1:19:15 AM PDT by Robert_Paulson2
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To: JohnHuang2
Another instance that proves "Bush is no better than Gore". I guess I should add a Sarcasm disclaimer.
15 posted on 05/21/2002 1:35:12 AM PDT by Texasforever
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Comment #16 Removed by Moderator

To: Russell Scott;Teacher317;doug from upland;Judith Anne;JohnHuang2;LarryLied;Tall_Texan;keri;SoDak...
"Repent NEA, or you will surely perish."

Since the NEA will never repent, let's help them perish. A wealthy NEA can buy whatever political clout they need to get their agendas passed. Help defund the NEA by informing teachers that they are entitled to a refund of the portion of their dues that the NEA and their state affiliates used for political activities. This refund can amount to several hundred dollars. See:

Reply # 14 in the thread Let's Help Nail the Teachers Unions -- It is National FReep Time


LANDMARK REPORTS NEA FLAUNTING FEDERAL LABOR REPORTING LAW

The NEA's Paper Chase


Here's some interesting information from the The Education Intelligence Agency (EIA) COMMUNIQUÉ (On the Web at http://www.eiaonline.com) -- May 13, 2002 issue:

"1) Are the Fat Years Over for NEA and AFT?

It used to be relatively easy for EIA to obtain accurate, up-to-date membership numbers for NEA and its state affiliates, but recently it has become a lot more difficult. Perhaps it is coincidental that the numbers are becoming harder and harder to find just as the news becomes less and less cheerful.

The tremors are small: lots of talk about needing inroads with Generation X teachers... financial problems here... possible layoffs there. In the past, membership problems were localized in the chronic, hard-to-organize states that had competing organizations. Today, the sounds are more widespread. NEA has grown every year since the mid-1980s, but for the first time the end of the boom may be in sight. The union experienced an increase of some 37,000 members this year -- about half of what it achieved in 2000-2001. More alarming if you're an NEA official is the fact that 20 state affiliates had a decrease in membership last year -- even as the number of potential members nationwide continues to grow at a fairly steady 2 percent annual clip.

EIA cannot yet identify which state affiliates are growing and which are not, though it seems safe to assume that the large states -- California, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, et al. -- continue to enjoy solid growth, while perennial weak sisters are now having serious problems. Activities to reverse the trend are already underway. The NEA Board of Directors granted $175,000 to the Mississippi Association of Educators for additional organizing. The North Carolina Association of Educators is laying the groundwork for an effort in support of collective bargaining in the state. North Carolina law currently bans collective bargaining by teachers.

Accurate AFT numbers are even harder to amass, because more of its members are not K-12 teachers. Nevertheless, the same tremors are coming from AFT. The AFT Executive Council's organizing committee met to discuss ways to get younger members more involved and active in the union. EIA estimates that about 70 percent of teachers are NEA and/or AFT members. Public school teaching may be the most highly unionized sector of the American workforce (the private sector is only 9 percent unionized). Is something about to give?"


We also need to inform teachers and education majors that there are alternative professional education associations that teachers can join for much less than what they are paying to the NEA:

Association of American Educators
25201 Paseo de Alicia, Suite 104
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone: 949-595-7979 or 1-800-704-7799
Fax: 949-595-7970
Email: info@aaeteachers.org
Website: www.aaeteachers.org

Please note that the AAE is not a union. It is a professional association. Annual dues are $125 per year for teachers (includes $2 Million liability insurance - one of the reasons teachers join the NEA or AFT is for liability insurance). Student, retired educator, and associate/support memberships are $25 per year.

Call the AAE and ask them to send you some of their brochures. Stuff them with Teacher317's "UNION DUES REFUND NOTICE" and hand them out to teachers and education majors.


Here are some links that will be of interest to teachers (and parents):

"Grading the NEA - What Every Teacher Needs to Know About The National Education Association: A Special Report" by Perry L. Glanzer, Ph.D. & Travis R. Pardo (http://www.family.org/gradingthenea/news/a0012243.html)

"Teacher Unions and Parent Involvement" (http://www.educationpolicy.org/EPIseries/parent-bklt.htm)

17 posted on 05/21/2002 7:21:51 AM PDT by EdReform
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To: JohnHuang2
Catholic Humor Break
If you’ve never heard The First Baseball Game by Dan St. Paul, and you’re Catholic, this is a must. You’ll need to download the first snippet and have Real Player. Snippet one, Snippet two.

Enjoy.

18 posted on 05/21/2002 7:26:12 AM PDT by Clint N. Suhks
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To: LarryLied
On the form, union officials asked what Mr. Robey called "probing personal questions"
about his relationship with God and his religious affiliation. They also required
him to obtain a signature from a religious official attesting to the validity of his beliefs.


Funny how liberal/leftist gospel of "The Right To Privacy" evaporates
when the views of a conservative/Republican is at question.
19 posted on 05/21/2002 7:27:45 AM PDT by VOA
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To: JohnHuang2
Some objectors say the NEA's agenda promotes pro-abortion, pro-homosexuality positions and policies that interfere with parental rights.

I must be one of those "objectors" they're talking about. This IS the NEA's agenda.
20 posted on 05/21/2002 7:36:46 AM PDT by firewalk
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To: Free the USA; 2Jedismom; 2sheep; Aliska;Alabama_Wild_Man;Aquinasfan; argee; arielb...
ping
21 posted on 05/21/2002 7:39:00 AM PDT by madfly
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To: scholar;sultan88;mudboy slim
"The law allows union members to donate their fees to charities of their choice if supporting the unions violates their religious beliefs."

The BSA would be a wonderful place to start with those redirected funds.
{~hehehe}

Incrementally, "The Wall" must come down.

...in the same way it went up.

22 posted on 05/21/2002 7:44:50 AM PDT by Landru
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To: EdReform
Thanks for the ping. I've emailed the Washington Times article to everyone I know. Bump.
23 posted on 05/21/2002 7:47:46 AM PDT by scripter
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To: JohnHuang2
Good news, John! Lets hope that it works out.
24 posted on 05/21/2002 8:00:42 AM PDT by Grampa Dave
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To: Judith Anne
They aren't forced to join the union as far as I know, but I believe the courts have ruled that they are required to pay for certain costs that benefit them, such as collective bargaining and legal fees, etc.
25 posted on 05/21/2002 8:09:08 AM PDT by monkeyshine
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To: scripter
Great! Also, please call the AAE and ask them to send you some of their brochures. Stuff them with Teacher317's "UNION DUES REFUND NOTICE" and hand them out to teachers and education majors. I am doing this. You can also leave AAE brochures and refund notices at "parent-teacher" stores. Or give them to parents to take to PTA/PTO meetings.
26 posted on 05/21/2002 8:12:45 AM PDT by EdReform
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To: Landru
IF there is any chance of improving public education in this country, (and that is a BIG IF) getting rid of NEA is the place to start.
27 posted on 05/21/2002 8:24:29 AM PDT by scholar
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To: scholar
Not get rib of 'em; for goodness sakes no!!
~Too insensative. :o)

Just relegate 'em to doing what it is they were meant to do in the first place.
Not the role of "Social Arbitrators" they've liked to *feature* themselves as; &, as such?
Strategically positioned themselves to become.

...restrict the NEA to collective bargaining teacher contracts; period.

28 posted on 05/21/2002 8:32:49 AM PDT by Landru
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To: philetus
Not unless your a moron which is why the NEA slides.
29 posted on 05/21/2002 8:38:22 AM PDT by Khepera
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To: Russell Scott
The NEA is the most destructive organization in the country. I hope this is the beginning of the end of that hellish beast.

I feel the same way! Add the Biased Left Wing Media to your list. After all without them the socialist would have gotten nowhere in America.

Dan Rather has hurt America more than any other terrorist organization.

30 posted on 05/21/2002 8:54:38 AM PDT by kapn kuek
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To: madfly; JohnHuang2
Bumps!!
31 posted on 05/21/2002 8:56:10 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: JohnHuang2
This is just wonderful.
32 posted on 05/21/2002 8:56:15 AM PDT by doug from upland
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To: LarryLied
Every dollar which doesn't go to the union is less money for the Democrat party.

You're absolutely right about that.

Bump.

33 posted on 05/21/2002 9:04:01 AM PDT by Victoria Delsoul
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To: keri
"It is, and doubly dangerous because it seems most parents with children in the public schools are not aware of the power the NEA wields and their vile agenda."

The mission of the NEA is to destroy the nation's young. And, they are doing a fair job at it.

34 posted on 05/21/2002 9:05:12 AM PDT by Don Myers
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To: Landru
"......restrict the NEA to collective bargaining teacher contracts; period."

You cannot reform this beast. You can only kill it.

35 posted on 05/21/2002 9:07:33 AM PDT by Don Myers
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To: Landru
...restrict the NEA to collective bargaining teacher contracts; period.

Well if the NEA influence would stop there, that would be great. However, we both know that the NEA will jump in and defend any incompetent,abusive,Socialist @$$ hole in the public school system.

36 posted on 05/21/2002 9:29:59 AM PDT by scholar
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To: Don Myers;scholar
"You cannot reform this beast. You can only kill it."

Well...that'd be very true, Mr. Myers; if, it were reform I sought.
~It's not.
I seek a slow death for this bunch; &, for my tastes?
The slower, the better.
I'd never, ever dare risk making a, "Labor-Martyr" outa the NEA (or any other union thugs).
The Liberal-Socialists would *love* to have such an issue to rally their union constituency around; and, use as a club to beat us over the heads with!!
~Again.

No way Jose'.
Methinks the Right has handed the Liberal-Socialists wayyyyy too many war victories on a silver platter, as it is.

Let 'em work for this & all other of their Leftist *causes* from this time on.
That'll have the net-result of guarenteeing their extinction just that much faster.

But...
I would be all-for detoothing 'em.

~The mere thought of detoothin' the NEA using existing law(s)?
Just makes it all the more sweeter for a guy like me; 'cuz, you have to remember...many of those existing laws that're finally being enforced?
Were written by you-know-who; uh-huh, their pro-union 'Rat buddies.

Yea-yea; a wedge is, as a wedge does *they* say, eh?

...with everything depending on whose base that wedge is splitting. ;^)

37 posted on 05/21/2002 9:48:41 AM PDT by Landru
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To: Don Myers;Landru
most parents with children in the public schools are not aware of the power the NEA wields and their vile agenda."

I had never heard of the NEA when my kids were still in public school. I also wager that many tax-paying Americans are still unaware of the influence that this BEAST has on the education of their children.

I have such a deep and abiding hatred of the public school system, I can barely speak rationally on the subject.

38 posted on 05/21/2002 10:18:29 AM PDT by scholar
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To: scholar
"I have such a deep and abiding hatred of the public school system, I can barely speak rationally on the subject."

Wow.
If people only knew you, better?
They might come to understand how big a statement that really is.
A nicer, more rational person would be mighty hard to find these days.

Not to worry about this outfit, though; as the NEA's gonna collapse under it's own weight.
Why?
Because they're not getting "The Job" done!
The buck stops with them when the subject comes to whether or not the li'l brats are learning anything a'tall.

As it stands now?
Questions -- legitimate questions -- are being asked if the *students* upon graduation have learned anything of any value whatsoever vs. the HUGE $$s the txpayers are asked to shell out?

A *bad*, & long overdue omen for that outfit; and, the misfit-disasters they've fostered into & played a key role in protecting/maintaining the once respectable profession of, "Teaching."

...& just remember; you heard that here, first. ;^)

39 posted on 05/21/2002 1:07:25 PM PDT by Landru
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To: Landru
Not to worry about this outfit, though; as the NEA's gonna collapse under it's own weight.

I pray that you are right. It's not just about "the children" it's the future of our nation at stake here.

40 posted on 05/21/2002 1:28:34 PM PDT by scholar
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To: scholar
"I pray that you are right."

...me too.

41 posted on 05/21/2002 1:42:43 PM PDT by Landru
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To: scholar
"I have such a deep and abiding hatred of the public school system, I can barely speak rationally on the subject."

Well, the people who run the system are not nice people.

42 posted on 05/21/2002 7:28:18 PM PDT by Don Myers
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To: Landru
"I seek a slow death for this bunch; &, for my tastes? The slower, the better. "

The problem with this approach is the damage they can do while they are dying your slow death.

"I would be all-for detoothing 'em."

They still have gums.

43 posted on 05/21/2002 7:30:56 PM PDT by Don Myers
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To: Don Myers
"They still have gums."

HA!!
Yea...
I suppose they will, at that.

But Don?
The *Good News* is that we have the teeth now, eh?
I mean: did'cha ever think we'd grow us a set?

We really oughta take a lesson from our reptilian *friend*, the Boa Constrictor?
Learn to constrict with every exhale our enemies make.
Until finally one day?
Our enemies are no longer able to breath a'tall.

...then, the NEA et al will be dead, dead, dead; forevermore.

44 posted on 05/22/2002 7:52:39 AM PDT by Landru
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To: Landru
Naw, I favor the direct approach. Just bite 'em to death.
45 posted on 05/22/2002 8:38:18 AM PDT by Don Myers
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To: Landru
Bump
46 posted on 05/24/2002 12:51:00 PM PDT by EdReform
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To: EdReform
Self-Search Bump
47 posted on 06/02/2002 8:34:04 AM PDT by EdReform
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