NEA’s recent decision to sever ties with the ADL is sending shockwaves through educational and ethnic communities alike.
At a Glance
- The NEA voted to end its partnership with the ADL over concerns about the ADL’s stance on antisemitism and Israel.
- The NEA accused the ADL of using antisemitism to suppress criticism of Israel.
- The decision has sparked a backlash from Jewish leaders and defenders of Israel.
- The Council on American-Islamic Relations supported NEA’s decision, criticizing the ADL’s past actions.
NEA Parts Ways with ADL
The National Education Association (NEA), America’s largest teachers union, has voted to cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). With allegations that the ADL uses accusations of antisemitism to quash legitimate critiques of Israel, the NEA has stepped into a contentious arena. This decision arose during a Portland meeting where plans for the upcoming school year were being set. The NEA’s assembly, comprising 7,000 members, approved the measure which many critics have labeled a “boycott,” with the potential for significant repercussions –
DEVELOPING: The National Educators Association (NEA) voted to cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
Why would the far left NEA cut ties with a far left mouthpiece like the ADL?
Because the ADL still occasionally supports Jews & the NEA is showing how antisemitic they… pic.twitter.com/v9HLmpZSd6
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) July 8, 2025
The ADL, an organization historically intertwined with U.S. educational efforts to combat antisemitism, expressed significant concern over the decision. It highlighted the troubling rise of antisemitic attacks across the nation. While the decision is part of a broader debate surrounding the treatment of antisemitism and criticism of Israel in education, it’s also marked by tensions stemming from the ADL’s critique of a Massachusetts Teachers Association presentation on Islamophobia – nypost.com
Diverse Reactions to NEA’s Decision
Critics argue that the NEA is promoting a biased perspective against Jewish communities and peddling misinformation about Israel. Liora Rez from StopAntisemitism has been vocal about her concerns, accusing the NEA of fostering an anti-Jewish sentiment. Adding to the chorus of criticism, Dov Hikind, the founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, questioned the sense of security for Jews following this decision. Meanwhile, NEA delegate Stephen Siegel remarked, “Allowing the ADL to determine what constitutes anti-Semitism would be like allowing the fossil-fuel industry to determine what constitutes climate change.”
Conversely, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has hailed the NEA’s decision. CAIR underscored the ADL’s history of spreading anti-Palestinian rhetoric and opposing movements such as Black Lives Matter. This decision, they argue, is a stride towards more equitable school curriculums that don’t marginalize Palestinian or Black perspectives.
What Lies Ahead?
This decision accentuates a broader dialogue about the discourse on antisemitism and the critique of Israel within educational platforms. The NEA remains adamant in its mission to confront antisemitism, racism, and bigotry, despite its break from the ADL. The ADL, in response, remains resolved to continue their educational programs against bigotry.
Moving forward, as the NEA navigates this contentious domain, the educational community watches intently. The question remains: Will this schism pave the way for more diverse educational narratives, or will it deepen existing divides?
