Education

Video: Friedrichs Supporters Stand for Free Speech

On Monday morning, ALEC staff gathered with teachers, parents, legislators and grassroots leaders on the steps of the Supreme Court to support Rebecca Friedrichs, a California teacher who is fighting for her free speech rights in the case Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association. Rebecca and the other teachers bringing the case are fighting for their right to choose not to contribute “agency fees” to the union, which they argue unfairly forces them to pay for inherently political activity they do not want to support.

While oral argument was presented inside the courtroom, outside protestors sang songs and listened to the stories of dozens of speakers, from principals to policy wonks. “No one should be able to force you to pay for things that you don’t agree with politically,” said Ben Wilterdink, Director of the ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force. “That’s not what we’re about and that’s not what teachers should have to do.”


In Depth: Education

An excellent education has long been recognized as key to the American Dream. Unfortunately, the current monopolistic and expensive K-12 education system is failing our students, leaving them unprepared for college, careers, or life. Similarly, our higher education system is leaving students with higher debt burdens and fewer career guarantees…

+ Education In Depth