FEA is fighting for its life, not any high-minded constitutional principle
The Florida Education Association’s decision to challenge the constitutionality of a proposed constitutional amendment is more than an exercise in muddled, circular logic – it is the union’s last-gasp effort to escape extinction.
If taxpayers amend the state’s constitution to allow school vouchers, the teachers union knows that many Florida families will use the vouchers to flee failing and ineffective government schools in favor of effective private schools.
Teachers employed by private schools typically do not belong to a union. If FEA-dominated schools lose a lot of students to private schools, government-run public schools will shrink, as will the FEA’s membership and, ultimately, its bank account.
In short, the FEA’s existence hangs in the balance.
It would be a public relations nightmare for the FEA to say this publicly. That’s why the union is attacking the proposed amendment on constitutional grounds, essentially arguing that amending the constitution is unconstitutional. Like we said, it’s a ridiculous stab at logic – but it’s the only thing standing in the way of the FEA’s timely demise.
The state of Florida has a responsibility to fund a K-12 education for every youngster. But that doesn’t mean that the education has to take place in a government-operated school. The state should worry about the funding and let parents decide where the education takes place.
All children have unique abilities and needs, and parents should be allowed to choose the school that best meets those needs. A one-size-fits-all approach has not produced very satisfying results for either students or taxpayers. Union leaders want kids to remain trapped in failing schools just so to protect their own financial interests.
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