The president of the largest teachers union, Rebecca Pringle, has been a frequent visitor to the White House during President Biden's tenure. Visitor logs reveal that Pringle visited the White House at least 24 times between 2021 and early 2024. Her visits included meetings with top officials such as President Biden, Vice President Harris, and various White House staff.
In her recent speech at the NEA's Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly, Pringle emphasized the need for social justice reforms in the education system to promote equity. She criticized the previous administration and vowed to protect public education from privatization and voucher schemes.
Pringle, a donor to Biden's 2020 campaign, expressed support for the administration's policies and pledged to work towards their re-election. She also highlighted the NEA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), a concept that has faced backlash in some quarters.
However, Pringle's remarks have drawn criticism from school choice advocates who accuse her of seeking to control children's education. They argue for defunding teachers unions and allowing funds to follow students instead.
Despite the controversy, Pringle remains steadfast in her advocacy for education justice, which she believes should encompass racial, social, and climate justice. She stresses the interconnectedness of various social issues, including housing and food inequality, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
Pringle's leadership of the NEA has not been without controversy, with past scrutiny over her salary during school closures. The White House and NEA have been approached for comment on Pringle's visits, but responses are pending.
