NEA Supports 
Education Civil Rights Bill

Proposal protects rights of educators,
students in federal education programs

Washington, D.C.  -- The National Education Association, on behalf of 2.7 million member-educators, supports the "Every Child is Created Equal Act" introduced by U.S. Reps. Robert Scott (D-Va.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). 

The proposed legislation would protect educators who provide supplemental education services such as tutoring from employment discrimination, and protect the rights of the students they serve.

The bill is the latest effort to make much-needed changes to the latest revision of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as the "No Child Left Behind" law.

The bill recognizes that discrimination has no place in federal funded and protected education programs.  The proposal (H.R. 3582) would overturn current Education Department regulations that allow religious organizations providing supplemental education services to discriminate in hiring.  The bill also closes a loophole that allows supplemental service providers to refuse students with disabilities or limited English language ability.

The NEA and its affiliates remain committed to the goal of leaving no child behind, by continuing to improve academic achievement, ensure all students a highly qualified teacher, up-to-date textbooks and technology.  We urge Congress and the Administration to support reforms that we know will work, rather than allow discrimination to leave children and dedicated educators behind.

November 24, 2003

For More Information:
NEA Communications: 202-822-7200

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.