Virginia teachers’ union mourns election results, ignoring conservative members

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) is mourning the election of Donald Trump, calling it a “dark day” for teachers and students.

In an email to educators, obtained by education reformer Corey DeAngelis, VEA President Carol Bauer bemoaned the outcome.

“I know today feels like a dark day for many of you. Questions and doubts are likely swirling through your head, and it will take time to digest what happened and why,” Bauer wrote, despite weeks of polling which suggest Trump had a good chance at winning. “Everyone will need time to express their feelings, be it shock, anger, uncertainty, or fear.” 

The email seems to ignore the possibility that some of its members supported Trump or share his conservative values. According to the Associated Press, Trump won 46.6% of the vote in Virginia, while Kamala Harris won 51.8%. 

The email even admits “Virginia was the only southern state to reject Trump.” 

Bauer continues: “Your students and communities will need you to be strong in the coming days and weeks as they, too, process what has happened and what it will mean to them and their families.  

“Before the election, many commentators warned about the end of democracy if Trump won. That isn’t going to happen – not on our watch. … Our schools, our profession, and our union will come under attack as never before. The very existence of public education and organized educators threatens their concept of control, and they will come for us.”  

While Trump has proposed eliminating the federal Department of Education – which isn’t as radical as it sounds – public education is primarily run by state and local governments anyway.  

Bauer’s rhetoric feeds the criticism of opponents who believe most teachers’ unions have become equivalent to Democrat lobbyists and donors with far-left ideologies.  

Recent reports found the National Education Association (NEA) – the parent union of the VEA – donated almost $27 million for Democrat politicians and causes in the 2024 election cycle.  

Unions have donated to campaigns for Gov. Tim Walz, Gov. Josh Shapiro, as well as endorsing the Biden-Harris and later Harris-Walz presidential ticket. 

In the 2022 midterm election, the NEA and American Federation for Teachers donated $1.3 million to Democrats compared to $2,500 to Republicans.  

Teachers’ unions have been roundly criticized for other partisan stances, including advocating for pro-abortion policies, anti-Israel beliefs and pro-LGBT issues.