Blistering report exposes how national K-12 group's DEI agenda is trickling down to local chapters

By Fox News · Fox News

FIRST ON FOX: The National Parent Teacher Association (NPTA), a parent-teacher organization many families associate with bake sales, book fairs and school fundraisers, is facing scrutiny over the group's DEI and other left-wing political priorities trickling down to state and local chapters. A report from conservative watchdog Defending Ed shines a spotlight on the trusted parent-school organization known for local volunteer work and school fundraisers, suggesting it has become involved in politically charged fights over race, gender identity, and immigration in K-12 education. Defending Education asserts the examples show National PTA’s left-wing priorities filtering into state and local affiliates, while National PTA told Fox News Digital its resources are meant to support respectful dialogue, family engagement and "safe, inclusive and welcoming school communities." "The NPTA is given a lot of credibility by the public, making it an authoritative voice on education issues from the parent perspective. It is deeply concerning when it advances far-left policies that are often very unpopular amongst parents nationwide," Rhyen Staley, Director of Research for Defending Education, told Fox News Digital. "The NPTA should be a politically neutral organization that advocates for improving the education system and the success of all students." NEW STUDY FINDS DEI INITIATIVES CREATING 'HOSTILE ATTRIBUTION BIAS' The National PTA's own "curriculum and educational materials" describe diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as central to the organization's mission and day-to-day work. Among the learning outcomes, according to the National PTA, is to "develop critical consciousness by recognizing racism ... and developing a student's awareness to openly address these situations." Meanwhile, a document part of a National PTA DEI initiative tells PTA leaders, caregivers, parents and educators that "it's never too early to talk about race with your children," while listing a recommen…