The NEU teaching union has withdrawn a statement it released reacting to the invasion of Ukraine “pending further discussion”, after it was widely criticised.
The statement, which was posted on the Twitter account of NEU president Daniel Kebede on Friday, expressed “solidarity” with the people of Ukraine, but also said that “the conflict” between Ukraine and Russia must “not lead to the expansion and consolidation of military alliances in Europe”.
The statement was labelled an “utter disgrace” and “terrible” by some education commenters on social media, while others questioned how the statement had been put together and whether it was in the union’s remit.
The statement was removed from social media on Friday night, and the NEU has now said it has been withdrawn pending further discussion in the union.
The NEU has also clarified that it is “completely opposed to the Russian invasion”.
The full statement, which was posted by Mr Kebede under the heading “NEU extends solidarity to the people of Ukraine”, read: “NEU extends solidarity with the people of Ukraine. When diplomacy fails and military action is used to resolve disputes, ordinary citizens are the ones who pay the price.
“The NEU stands in solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine, with teachers, with school students and with their families, who will today be fearing for their lives and for the future of their country.”
It then went on to add: “The NEU adds it [sic] voice to all those calling on President Putin to end the attacks on Ukrainian territory and to order Russian troops to leave the country. We further call on all parties to honour their obligations under the Minsk-2 agreement and under international law.
“The conflict between Russia and the Ukraine must not lead to the expansion and consolidation of military alliances in Europe, which can only threaten future stability for all and hasten the likelihood of future conflicts and wars.”
A ‘terrible take’
Many involved in education criticised the statement on social media. Some were critical of the statement’s content - particularly its caution against the expansion of military alliances in Europe - and others questioned whether the union was right to put out a statement at all.
One teacher wrote: “This isn’t in your remit, and it’s a terrible take. Do better.”
Another added: “I’ve been a member for over 15 years but I’m not going to stick around for the NEU to dive in with a political standpoint on NATO expansion.”
A third said: “I’m an NEU member. Will the union be sharing its reasoning and evidence for reaching these viewpoints, and the justification for a teaching union to take such an unequivocal stance on matters so far outside its remit?”
Sam Freedman, senior adviser to the education charity Ark, called it an “utter disgrace” and added: “I certainly won’t be engaging with the NEU in any capacity while this is their stated position.”
An NEU spokesperson told Tes: “The statement has been withdrawn pending further discussion in the union.
“However, to clarify, the NEU is in solidarity with Ukraine and completely opposed to the Russian invasion, which has no justification. We hope that peace talks can begin and the fighting stops.”
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