This issue is very simple: Look at the records of all of the candidates in regard to how they've voted on issues related to education. Look at the various candidates in terms of who is funding their political campaigns. Look at which candidate has been decidedly pro-union throughout his/her career. Bernie Sanders is the most pro-union, pro-education candidate for President. The NEA should formally endorse him as a candidate.



(EDIT: To include this update that not everyone was able to find easily)



Jul 12, 2015 — Ladies and gentlemen of education, and supporters of Bernie Sanders,

First of all, I'd like to thank each of you for taking a moment out of your day to sign this petition. We’re off to a great start! It isn't easy being the vanguard in support of a political candidate. We know RIGHT NOW that Bernie Sanders is the right choice for the NEA to support--and we're excited about it!--but others have doubts and differences of opinion and need to come to their own decision in their own time.

I know that many have felt betrayed by the AFT endorsement, and there is a petition out there which could also use your help. Please add your name to the petition listed below:

https://www.change.org/p/american-federation-of-teachers-withdraw-your-endorsement-of-hillary-clinton-for-the-democratic-presidential-nomination?recruiter=59089487&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

When I posted my petition a few hours before the AFT announcement, I had no idea of the bombshell that was coming from them. My intention was simply to attempt to lend some strength to a candidate I feel strongly about and give others the same opportunity. We all know that the NEA must vet each candidate, speak to representatives from each state, and decide at the RA in a little less than a year. This petition is not meant to circumnavigate that process nor demand that the NEA recommendation happen now. July 2016 will be here before we know it, and we all need to be as active, vociferous, boisterous, and hell-bent as possible for Bernie now so that our union backs our candidate.

Thanks all, and spread the word!

Mike Murray