Featured News
89th Legislature in Review: Your Right to Academic Freedom
Academic freedom: the pillar of higher education, and the target of the 89th legislative session. For the past two years, the Texas Legislature has fixated on our public colleges and universities, attempting to control every aspect of what makes our schools great: the freedom the teach and the freedom to learn. While Senate Bill (SB) 37 took center-stage in...
Read MoreUnpacking the 89th Legislature: Your Right to Fair Wages
Educators across Texas have long fought for wages that reflect the vital work they do in our classrooms, cafeterias, and campuses. Yet despite their dedication, Texas teachers earn over $9,000 less than the national average and receive $5,000 less in per-student funding. Inflation-adjusted, their salaries are 6% below 2015 levels,...
Read MoreAdvocates Act Against the Repeal of the Texas Dream Act
On June 4, just two days after the Texas Legislature came to a close, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sued the State of Texas over the 2001 law allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. This came after House Bill 232 and Senate Bill...
Read MoreUnion Wins in San Antonio
Saturday, June 7 was Election Day for May local election runoffs, and it was a great day for San Antonio labor. Alongside San Antonio Central Labor Council peers, Northside AFT and San Antonio Alliance members have knocked doors, made calls, and organized their communities in support of candidates who will...
Read MoreJune 6, 2025: A nightmare for Dreamers
Friday, June 6, 2025 Downloadable poster available with other immigration resources from AFT. A nightmare for Dreamers On Wednesday, within hours of a federal lawsuit filed against Texas over our state’s decades-old DREAM Act, Attorney General Ken Paxton readily sold out the future of our state and urged the court...
Read MoreTexas AFT Joins National Civil Rights Coalition to Oppose Federal Voucher Scheme
Texas AFT has joined over 140 national, state, and grassroots organizations, including labor unions, civil rights groups, and education advocates, in signing a forceful letter opposing any federal attempt to create a private school voucher program.
Read MoreNo Kings Day: Nationwide Day of Defiance on June 14
Right now, the very things working people rely on — public schools, decent health care, retirement, good wages and a voice at work — are all under attack by this Congress and the current president.
Read MoreTEA Extends Houston ISD Takeover Through 2027, Sparking Outrage from Educators
Last week, the Texas Education Agency announced that it would extend the state takeover of Houston ISD until at least June 1, 2027, keeping Commissioner Mike Morath’s appointed Board of Managers, and controversial Superintendent Mike Miles, in control of the state’s largest school district for another two years.
Read MoreThis Week in Higher Education: The Last Gasps of Nightmare Legislative Session
This was a long, brutal legislative session for education across the board, but because of our members' tireless work against these destructive efforts, we were able to push the needle and reduce harm for our communities.
Read MoreThis (Final) Week in the Legislature: Where Things Stand for Our Public Schools
There is much to unpack and process in the bills making their way to the governor’s desk. Several pieces of major legislation effectively will rewrite large portions of the education code and change how our schools operate.
Read MoreStatement on the Revocation of In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
"Every Texas student has the right to a high-quality, affordable education, regardless of their zip code, race, socioeconomic bracket, or immigration status – all factors outside of their control. "
Read More89th Legislature Closes with Final Attack on Texas Colleges, Universities, & Health Institutions
With the passage of Senate Bill 37, faculty warn of the impending “brain drain” of students, researchers, and faculty from Texas higher education institutions.
Read MoreMay 30, 2025: You Asked. We Answered.
Friday, May 30, 2025 You asked. We answered. As we careen toward the end of the 89th Legislature (June 2), you’d be forgiven for feeling a bit lost on where major education bills stand. A record 8,607 bills were filed by the filing deadline, hundreds ran the gauntlet of committee...
Read More