How Teachers Unions became Platforms for Political Activists w/ Paul Zimmerman

Paul Zimmerman of the Defense of Freedom Institute speaks about the growing ideological capture of teachers unions and their outsized influence on education policy. The conversation explores how these unions have moved beyond collective bargaining to advance radical political agendas, including the spread of antisemitic narratives through ethnic studies and related curricula. Bernstein and Zimmerman trace the historical evolution of teachers unions, examine the political forces that sustain their power, and discuss practical strategies for increasing transparency, accountability, and public oversight. The episode ultimately situates the fight against antisemitism in schools within a broader defense of pluralism, civic values, and the core principles of American democracy. About the Guest Paul serves as Senior Counsel, Policy & Regulatory, where he leads DFI’s Teacher Union Accountability Project and supports the organization’s federal agency transparency and oversight efforts. Fro...