CLAY COUNTY, Mo. — A controversy that began inside the nation’s largest teachers’ union has rippled into Missouri politics, raising questions about union influence, antisemitism, and how local voters should evaluate the candidates who shape their schools. At the National Education Association’s (NEA) 2025 Representative Assembly in Portland, delegates backed a proposal urging the union to cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and stop using its materials on antisemitism and Holocaust education. After a required review, however, the NEA Executive Committee and Board of Directors rejected the proposed boycott, concluding it would not advance academic freedom or the union’s mission. AxiosNational Education AssociationDiverse: Issues In Higher EducationEducation Week
There was some lively reaction from the local community
“My kids should be learning the Holocaust from credible sources—not whatever’s left after national politics chews through the curriculum. If the ADL has the vetted materials, why would we toss them just to make a statement?” said Laura G., a parent in the North Kansas City School District who described herself as politically independent.
“When national Jewish groups have to mobilize to keep anti-hate resources in circulation, that tells you something is off. We’re relieved the NEA leadership stepped back—but local vigilance matters,” said a local Jewish education volunteer who asked not to be publicly named because she works with multiple districts.
“Look, Sen. Nurrenbern is backed by the education unions. Voters deserve to know what those unions are debating—and how she votes on issues like SB 212,Its also interesting to watch how many elected officials sucumb to the NEA, or their lobbiest buddies that are clearly opposed to the platform that got them elected- or what they say they are running for. There should never be any republicians that do, but there is. In the Northland this chick is your senator. Perhaps you should start informing folks that she accepted money and was endorsed by this group that supports antisemitism ” said Tim, a Clay County conservative activist who urges Republicans to turn out in nonpartisan school board elections.
Jewish community leaders praised the reversal and warned that attempting to sideline ADL resources at a time of rising antisemitism sends a dangerous message to Jewish teachers, students, and families. A joint statement from national Jewish organizations welcomed the NEA’s decision and urged clear communication to members that the boycott had been rejected; leaders described the resolution as exclusionary and harmful. jewishfederations.orgDiverse: Issues In Higher EducationAxios
NEA President Becky Pringle emphasized in her post‑vote statement that the union currently has no formal partnership with the ADL, meaning the delegate action would have been a forward‑looking policy declaration rather than a severing of an existing contract. She said the Board’s decision followed consultations with state affiliates and civil‑rights leaders, and that the proposal “would not further NEA’s commitment to academic freedom.” National Education AssociationAxiosEducation Week
The debate unfolded amid intensifying disputes over how antisemitism is defined in education settings, especially after the Gaza war and campus protests that some groups view as antisemitic and others defend as political speech. Nearly 400 Jewish and community organizations urged the NEA to reject the boycott, arguing that removing ADL content could undermine efforts to confront hate in schools. AxiosDiverse: Issues In Higher Educationjewishfederations.org
Local Political Stakes: Turnout, Unions, and Curriculum
For Missouri conservatives who often under‑participate in low‑turnout school board and state legislative races, the NEA‑ADL episode is being cited as a wake‑up call: union governance decisions can influence which anti‑bias resources stay in classrooms—and which get pushed out. Local activists argue that sustained turnout in “small” elections is the only way to counterbalance national union pressure. (Community opinion; no official data cited.)
Missouri’s education unions are politically organized. The Missouri NEA (MNEA) PAC promotes candidate recommendations and reported that its endorsed school board candidates won 85% of contests in the April 8, 2025 elections—evidence of how organized grassroots support can tilt local outcomes. mnea.org
Senator Maggie Nurrenbern Enters the Frame
Clay County’s State Senator Maggie Nurrenbern (D‑District 17) has become a focal point in the local conversation because of her education background and union ties. A former teacher and North Kansas City NEA building representative, she ran for the Senate highlighting public education as a core priority. Missouri Senatemnea.org
Public voter‑guide data for the November 5, 2024 general election shows Nurrenbern was endorsed by the Missouri National Education Association among a long list of progressive, labor, and advocacy organizations. Blue Voter Guide
In addition, a 2024 Labor Beacon piece—authored by Nurrenbern herself—framed her campaign as “Union‑Endorsed” and identified her as an MNEA member running for the Missouri State Senate, underscoring the depth of her labor‑movement alignment. The Labor Beacon
Broader Kansas City Leadership Under Fire
The NEA‑ADL controversy is not an isolated case of local tensions around antisemitism. Other Kansas City leaders have also been accused of problematic behavior or views involving the Jewish community:
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Councilman Nathan Willett (North Kansas City, District 1) has been criticized for being pro-Israel in debates over a Gaza ceasefire resolution. During City Council sessions, he led efforts to reform the city’s definition of antisemitism—arguing that omitting facts about Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks contributed to antisemitic discourse. Critics, including Jewish Voices for Peace KC, accused him of using antisemitism as a political tool to silence Palestinian supporters. tonyskansascity.com+2KCUR+2The Kansas City Defender+2
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Mayor Quinton Lucas has faced backlash for allegedly sidelining Palestinian voices. After nominating a zoning board candidate, Rafah advocate Emerson “Jaz” Hays, Lucas withdrew the appointment following criticism that Hays’s social media posts labeled Israel’s actions as genocidal. Opponents characterized Hays’s removal as a rhetorical crackdown on Palestinian speech, and some accused the mayor of suppressing dissent under pressure, though Lucas has consistently reaffirmed his support for Jewish residents and Israel. flatlandkc.org+3The Kansas City Defender+3tonyskansascity.com+3
These incidents show that debates over antisemitism in Kansas City politics are not limited to controversies within education unions—they reflect broader local tension over how public officials address Israel, Jewish communities, and free speech.
Endorsement Concerns in Light of the NEA Controversy
Because Nurrenbern is aligned with education unions—including an endorsement from the Missouri NEA—some community members now question what that alignment means in light of the NEA’s recent internal fight over ADL materials. Critics argue that, even though NEA leadership ultimately blocked the boycott, the fact that a significant delegate bloc pushed it—and that major Jewish organizations publicly labeled the proposal harmful and antisemitic—should prompt closer scrutiny of any candidate backed by NEA affiliates. jewishfederations.orgAxios
Because Nurrenbern is aligned with education unions—including an endorsement from the Missouri NEA—some community members now question what that alignment means in light of the NEA’s recent internal debate. Even though NEA leadership ultimately blocked the ADL boycott, critics argue that backing a candidate supported by affiliates interactive with activists who pushed the boycott and were criticized by national Jewish groups (calling it "antisemitic") warrants scrutiny. (Previously cited.)
Rising Tensions in Local Politics
The controversy over the ADL boycott highlights a larger cultural battle that extends into Missouri’s school boards and state government. Conservative activists have long criticized the NEA’s political influence and endorsements, warning that the union often backs candidates who push progressive policies that conflict with the values of many Missouri families.
“Conservatives rarely turn out for hyper-local elections like school boards,” said one Clay County resident. “If they did, the liberal stronghold would collapse overnight. These races determine what’s being taught in our classrooms.”
Why This Matters
The NEA’s rejection of the ADL boycott is seen by many as a temporary victory. Critics warn that, without voter engagement, similar proposals could resurface in the future.
“This isn’t just about one resolution,” said a local GOP organizer. “It’s about the larger agenda that unions like the NEA push into our schools — and whether local officials, like Senator Nurrenbern, will stand up for parents’ rights or bow to progressive activism.”
As tensions rise over school policies, parents and voters are being urged to watch their local elections more closely. Whether the issue is Holocaust education resources, curriculum standards, or bathroom access, the battles over education are being fought at the local level — often decided by just a handful of votes.
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