A proposal by an Oʻahu high school English teacher has been adopted by the National Education Association’s Representative Assembly. The proposal aims to ensure equitable educational opportunities for English language learners and migrant students, regardless of their immigration status.
This legislative amendment is now part of the NEA’s legislative priorities, guiding members and lobbyists as they advocate for public school educators and students in Washington, D.C.
Jamie Stidger, an English teacher at Castle High School, submitted the proposal that was adopted during the NEA RA meeting in Portland, Oregon. Stidger explained, “The cool thing about the legislative amendment is it’s akin to our contract. It’s there forever until people change it or add to it or delete something.”
Stidger has been a member of the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association’s Government Relations Committee for nearly 20 years. She spent 18 years teaching English learners at Castle before transitioning to teach English more broadly.
According to Stidger, her proposal clarifies that all students should have access to equal opportunities in education. She stated, “It clarified that students in our classrooms, regardless of immigration status, have access to equal opportunities in education and public education.”
She expressed concern over cuts to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), noting its role in ensuring states follow laws protecting civil rights: “It’s important because the U.S. DOE being cut… And as we’ve seen, that’s clearly eroding.”
Stidger emphasized the need for non-discriminatory practices: “We need to protect all our kids… If a kid shows up in my class, I’m gonna teach them… These are scary times, and this current administration is looking to discriminate against our kids.”
The proposal’s approval involved collaborative efforts from various individuals including Jodi Kunimitsu from HSTA Human and Civil Rights Committee and Ashley Olson from NEA’s Internal Editing Committee for resolutions.
The NEA RA is a significant event where thousands of educators gather annually to discuss issues impacting public education. This year’s assembly took place with almost 7,000 educators attending from across the United States.
