Yesterday, the Little Rock Education Association (LREA) organized a car caravan in support of a safe reopening of schools amidst the coronavirus pandemic. These teachers staged “tombstones” in front of Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson’s mansion, protesting the risks associated with reopening schools prematurely, while Arkansas’ COVID-19 statistics are still grim.
Originally, the LREA teachers had intended to plant their tombstones on the lawn of the Arkansas Education Association (AEA) building, which is diagonally across the street from the Arkansas State Capitol building. However, at the last minute, the AEA notified their member teachers in Little Rock that their tombstones would not be welcome. Indeed, it appears that the AEA called the cops to block the entrance to the AEA parking lot and front doors while the caravan of member teachers was driving by.
Apparently, the National Education Association (NEA) frowns on feuding between the leadership of a state chapter and the leadership of a local district. Today, the NEA issued sanctions against both the AEA and the LREA. According to a source with inside knowledge of the AEA, “Funding and organizational support has been pulled. A mediator has been called in and NEA will not drop sanctions until they are satisfied that AEA and LREA can get along.”
Both AEA President Carol Fleming and LREA President Teresa Knapp-Gordon were contacted for their response to this story, but declined to comment. President Knapp-Gordon did confirm the NEA sanctions against both AEA and LREA.
Good reporting and thanks for calling this to our attention.
This is what those against unions want to see happen. LREA has been fighting for the rights of all members. Now, why is there any division at all? Any blind bat can answer that question. Please, do not allow the billionaires boys club to tear down all the solidarity that has been shown between these sources. The future of the public schools depend on strong leadership and cooperation among union members. Don’t let Little Rock Public Schools to become like New Orleans, LA.
100%. Exactly. And please let me know if you ever want to come right out and say the answer to “Why is there any division at all?” Because I think it would be more effective coming from you!