Dear educators,

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) recently issued a formal travel advisory for the State of Florida, cautioning individuals that "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals." This follows Republican Governor Ron DeSantis's attempts to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools, leading to the marginalization of these communities.

In response, the Saint Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE) has declared a boycott of the National Education Association's (NEA) 2023 Representative Assembly slated to occur in Orlando on July 3-6 SPFE points out that it is unsafe and unethical to contribute union funds to support an event held in a state exhibiting such a profound disregard for diversity and inclusivity.

If you, like teachers in St. Paul, believe that all educators, regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, deserve to be seen, safe, and loved, we invite you to join us in this boycott. We are petitioning the NEA to either cancel this year’s Representative Assembly, move it to a safe location, or transition it to a virtual format.

To express your support, please:

1.       Sign this petition

2.       Share it with your colleagues and encourage them to sign it as well.

3.       Share your personal statement on why this issue is important. We will collect these statements and forward them to the NEA to make our collective voice heard.

The fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in our schools and communities is one that matters to all of us. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you for standing up for justice and equality.

Yours in solidarity,

Concerned Educators