Defending Education Report Alleges NEA Prepares Teachers for Gender Transitions and Promotes 'Race Class Gender' Narratives Amid Academic Concerns

A recent report from the conservative advocacy group Defending Education claims the National Education Association (NEA) is preparing teachers to guide gender transitions and pushing "counter-narratives" on race and gender, while student performance in core subjects reportedly declines. The report, highlighted by Defending Education founder Nicki Neily, points to materials from an upcoming NEA training session.

According to Defending Education's findings, the NEA's "Advancing LGBTQ+ Justice and Transgender Advocacy" training, scheduled for December 2-4, 2025, includes "employee transition guides" and encourages the use of specific language around gender. The training aims to provide "support and guidance that is not only inclusive but liberating" for LGBTQ+ educators and students, with goals including "dismantling systems of privilege and oppression."

The report details that training materials promote a "Race Class Gender Narrative," instructing participants to frame opposition as using "strategic racism and transphobia." It also suggests teachers "pluralize" gender and use pronoun pins. Defending Education's investigative reporter, Kendall Tietz, stated, "Every time we get a look behind the curtain at the National Education Association, its priorities are unmistakable: a race-based, gender-ideology-driven model of activist education."

Critics, including Defending Education, argue that these initiatives divert focus from fundamental academic achievements. Nicki Neily stated in a tweet, "> Our new @DefendingEd report exposes the NEA prepping teachers to guide gender transitions, push “counter-narratives” on race and gender, and attack conservatives — all while students fall behind in reading, writing, and math." The NEA, however, maintains that its efforts are aimed at creating safe and inclusive learning environments and promoting racial and social justice. The union's public resources advocate for "culturally responsive education" and teaching "the full truth of our country’s history."