Friederichs v. California Teachers Association offers opportunity for education reform
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Washington, D.C. (Jan. 11, 2016) – Today the American Federation for Children, the nation’s voice for educational choice, released the following statement ahead of Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association (Case No. 14-915), which has oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court this afternoon.
“Our nation’s education system is failing children every day, providing them with an inadequate education that does not suit their needs or give them the skills they need to prepare for the future,” said Kevin P. Chavous, founding board member for the American Federation for Children. “The bureaucratic red tape and resistance to change is reinforced by the education status quo, and we must do all that we can to promote greater innovation in our K-12 system so that every child can get a great education. I am proud to support Rebecca Friedrichs and the other teachers fighting in this case because all education reformers should support the necessary reforms needed to improve educational outcomes for all children.”
The Supreme Court will hear the case brought by Rebecca Friedrichs and ten other California teachers who are challenging the requirement for individuals who are non-union members to continue to fund their teachers’ union. Under current law, individuals who decide not to join a union are still required to pay dues for non-political purposes, specifically collective bargaining. The plaintiffs in this case are asking the court to look at these collective bargaining funds, also known as agency fees. They argue that collective bargaining fees are political contributions because they involve workplace rules that affect laws that could help underperforming schools and restrict reform of the education system.
Following today’s oral arguments for the case, a decision from the Court is expected in June 2016.
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American Federation for Children is the nation’s leading school choice advocacy organization and works in states across the country to help secure additional, high-quality educational options for families.