The political landscape often features an ever-changing kaleidoscope of surprising alliances, unforeseen consequences, and delicious ironies. A recent incident provides a particularly striking example.

The National Education Association (NEA), widely regarded as a bastion of progressivism, finds itself embattled by forces within its ideological ranks. And, adding a twist of dramatic timing, this is happening as June 27 marks the fifth anniversary of the pivotal Janus v. AFSCME U.S. Supreme Court decision, which led to significant declines in union membership nationwide.

In an environment of “wokeness,” the NEA—one of the largest teachers’ unions in the country—is tasting a bitter concoction of its own brewing, served up by its ideological kin, the Saint Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE). The SPFE has declared a boycott of the NEA’s 2023 Representative Assembly in Orlando, Fla., in response to the NAACP’s travel advisory warning of Florida’s purported hostility toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

This irony-steeped drama unfolds alongside the fifth anniversary of Janus v. AFSCME, a landmark ruling that strengthened public employees’ rights by allowing them the freedom to choose whether to join and pay dues to a union. Federal reports show a drop in the NEA’s membership of more than 200,000 workers (7.6 percent) since the Janus decision. The Freedom Foundation, in that same period, has assisted more than 143,000 government employees in opting out of their unions. This legacy of empowerment starkly contrasts with the NEA’s current predicament, where ideology appears to overshadow dialogue and mutual respect.

Yet, the stage of Florida politics holds another act worth noting — the recent passing of SB 256, forward-looking legislation aimed at further protecting and expanding the rights of public employees. It’s a fresh chapter for government employees, despite the noise and confusion stirred up by unions anxious to safeguard their business interests.

Contrary to the misrepresentation propagated by certain unions, SB 256 makes several critical changes designed to safeguard public employees’ rights. The legislation bans payroll dues deduction, enabling employees to see an increase in their pay while reinforcing their freedom to join or leave unions at their discretion. The bill also mandates that unions provide a consent form to employees informing them that union membership is voluntary and that they can’t be discriminated against for refusing to join.

Furthermore, SB 256 requires annual union membership audits. A state-run election is triggered if union membership in a given workplace falls below 60 percent, allowing employees a chance to vote on whether to continue to be represented by a union. It’s a significant shift, echoing the spirit of Janus v. AFSCME by putting the power back into the hands of the workers themselves. Lastly, the bill requires unions to file audited financial statements, promoting transparency in how unions spend members’ dues money.

In light of recent events within the NEA and the legislative advancements in Florida, it’s clear that the fight against ideological excesses and the stronghold of radical teachers’ unions is not just about politics; it’s about protecting the rights of public employees and ensuring that our children receive a quality education.  “Wokeness,” it seems, does more harm than good, fostering division where there should be unity and creating conflicts where there should be cooperation.

This fifth anniversary of Janus v. AFSCME serves as a powerful reminder of the strides we’ve made toward empowering individuals over unions. The recent implementation of SB 256 furthers this cause, opening a new chapter of freedom and choice for public employees. Instead of allowing our communities to devolve into ideological battlegrounds, let’s keep striving for dialogue and understanding. As Abraham Lincoln wisely said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” So, let’s stand united, strong, and steadfast against the forces that seek to divide us. Our children’s education, public employees, and the nation’s future depend on it.

Matthew Hayward is the national outreach director at the Freedom Foundation.