A lawsuit has been filed in Utah, alleging a major teachers union misled its members about how their dues are spent. At the heart of the case is a claim that the Utah Education Association (UEA) repeatedly stated member dues are not used for political activities – a claim the plaintiffs assert is demonstrably false.
The legal challenge comes from a veteran educator, Cole Kelley, a member of the Utah State Board of Education, and the Freedom Foundation, an organization focused on employee rights. Kelley, a 29-year teacher, believes it’s time for complete transparency regarding the UEA’s financial practices and political affiliations.
The lawsuit centers on statements made by the UEA on its website and social media platforms, initially claiming dues were never used for political purposes. After being challenged, the UEA altered the statement, asserting dues weren’t used for “political parties or candidates.” The plaintiffs argue this revised claim is equally misleading.
Evidence presented in the lawsuit points to significant financial contributions made by the UEA and its national affiliate, the National Education Association (NEA), to specific political committees within Utah. Over $30,000 was allegedly directed to a group called Protect Utah Workers in a single month.
The core of the dispute lies in the way dues are allocated. The lawsuit alleges that members pay a unified rate, with a portion flowing to the NEA, which then actively supports and opposes political candidates and parties – a practice allegedly known to the UEA.
According to the Freedom Foundation, unions often deflect scrutiny by highlighting voluntary political action committee contributions, obscuring the fact that the vast majority of their political spending originates from mandatory member dues. This lawsuit aims to expose that reality.
Kelley recounts a personal experience where the UEA financially supported his opponent during his run for the state education board, highlighting what he sees as a clear left-leaning political bias within the organization. He believes teachers deserve to know where their money is truly going.
The lawsuit details substantial NEA contributions to the same political committees as the UEA, including approximately $35,000 to Protect Utah Workers. This paints a picture of coordinated political spending fueled by teacher’s dues.
Ryan Walters, former Oklahoma State Superintendent and founder of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, views the lawsuit as a critical step in holding unions accountable for what he describes as a “coordinated taxpayer-funding scheme” supporting radical political activism. He believes both teachers and taxpayers are being exploited.
The plaintiffs are seeking a modest $2,000 in damages each, but the true aim of the lawsuit extends far beyond monetary compensation. It’s a demand for honesty and transparency, a call for the UEA to reveal the full extent of its political involvement to its members.
Neither the UEA nor the NEA have publicly commented on the pending litigation, leaving the allegations to stand as a serious challenge to the financial practices and public statements of a powerful teachers union.
