The Florida State Board of Education has approved the Phoenix Declaration, a document that critics say is an attempt by special interests to influence the state’s public education system. The declaration, described by some as using neutral language to mask its intentions, was adopted despite opposition from educators and parents.
According to the Florida Education Association (FEA), the Phoenix Declaration represents “the latest thinly veiled attempt by billionaire-backed special interests to dismantle and politicize Florida’s public education system.” The FEA argues that this move could shift classroom control away from educators and into the hands of political operatives.
“This political campaign disguised as a declaration seeks to hand over control of our classrooms to political operatives and shift blame, pointing fingers rather than offering real solutions to the challenges facing our schools, students, and communities,” said representatives from FEA during testimony before the board. “As we testified before the board today, educators don’t need a politically-motivated statement to ensure that our school employees help our students—our children—to be kind and respectful citizens every day. Educators and parents know well that we are charged with helping children grow and learn to be their best selves, and educators and parents have long worked hand in hand to make students’ dreams come to life.”
The FEA called on board members to prioritize measures such as increasing funding for public schools, addressing shortages of teachers and staff, and ensuring access for all children to strong neighborhood schools. “Instead of chasing ideological agendas, the State Board of Education members should focus on what truly helps students: making sure public schools are fully funded, addressing the critical teacher and staff shortage, and guaranteeing that every child has access to a strong, neighborhood public school,” they stated.
“Florida’s students and families deserve investment in their public schools, not a political pledge written by outside groups,” added FEA representatives.
The Florida Education Association is the largest professional employee association in the state with more than 120,000 members. It represents PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, educational staff professionals, college students preparing for teaching careers, and retired education employees.
