But rather than be up front about its activity and obtain funds voluntarily from its members, the WEA tries to downplay its enormous influence by masquerading a sophisticated and savvy campaign staff as a group of concerned but inexperienced soccer moms. In issues that concern teachers the WEA should make its voice heard. However, it does not confine its involvement or teachers money to education-related issues. In the past it has advocated and opposed legislation dealing with homosexual rights, property rights, and license tabs, issues many of its members have strong differing convictions on. More importantly, its activities are not always pro-education.
Teachers do, often unwillingly.
Teachers who wish to support the policies and candidates advocated by the WEA can certainly do so voluntarily. But those who don t should not have their rights to free speech and free association violated by forced political contributions. Instead, the court placed the burden of protecting teachers on local school districts. This is unfortunate since districts have better things to do than play cop for an organization that has already been fined for the largest campaign finance violation in state history. WEA officials only have to look in the mirror to find the answer.