Educators target defeat of anti-free-speech initiative

Measure to appear on August primary ballot, would stifle political discourse for Alaskans

At the recent NEA-Alaska Delegate Assembly, almost 400 educators voted unanimously to do what it takes to defeat an initiative that would severely limit the right of Alaskans to speak freely with their elected leaders. The initiative is slated to appear on the August primary ballot. The initiative would stifle free speech for educators and their families, other public employees, the business community, Native corporations, and anybody else who does business with the state or a local government.

"Our members acted in the interest of protecting free speech rights and social justice for all Alaskans," said NEA-Alaska President Barb Angaiak. "The initiative, if it were to pass, would paralyze our American system of political discourse between elected officials and the citizens they serve."

The initiative, with the misleading name of "Anti-Corruption Act," is the brain child of an ultra-conservative East Coast millionaire who paid signature gatherers to get the names needed to put the measure on the August 24 ballot.

NEA-Alaska is working with other organizations to form a broad-based coalition to defeat the initiative.

NEA-Alaska's annual Delegate Asembly brings together teachers and education support professionals from across Alaska to debate education policy and set priorities for the coming year. In addition to its strong opposition to the anit-free-speech initiative, delegates reaffirmed their other priorities:

Education funding sufficient to help every child succeed in school
Restoration of a secure retirement for educators and other public employees
Safe and secure rural housing for teachers, public health personnel, public safety officers, and other public employees who travel to or work in rural communities

View photos from Delegate Assembly 2010