The newsletter details rising political pressure on a major teachers’ union, including congressional efforts to revoke its federal charter and leaked Signal chats linking elected officials to anti‑ICE activism. It also documents campus controversies: a Notre Dame hire that prompted staff departures, a Temple University student charged in a federal case, and a San Diego classroom incident under investigation. Experts warn that the proposed Mamdani plan could undercut NYC gifted programs and harm low‑income students, while Texas A&M moves to wind down its Women’s and Gender Studies certificate.
Campus Radicals: Top Teachers' Union Faces Federal Charter Fight as Anti‑ICE Network and Campus Controversies Emerge
The president of the largest teachers union in the U.S. is set to speak at a virtual event scheduled for Wednesday titled "Roadmap to Political Revolution," hosted by the Sunrise Movement.(Getty Images)
This edition of the Campus Radicals newsletter rounds up the latest political and campus controversies shaping education debates nationwide — from challenges to a major teachers' union's federal charter to leaked communications linking elected officials to anti‑ICE activism.
Decision Point
Lawmakers Are Advancing Efforts to remove the unique federal charter held by the nation’s largest teachers’ union, increasing scrutiny of the organization’s political activities and prompting debate over the union’s role in public policy and schools.
Secrets Released
Leaked Signal Chats tied to an anti‑ICE agitator network revealed that the head of the Minneapolis teachers’ union acknowledged elected officials participated in private Signal conversations related to anti‑immigration enforcement protests.
Political Scheming
A Rhode Island activist publicly criticized an adult‑run nonprofit that promoted what it described as a student‑led walkout opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arguing the event was organized and driven by adults rather than students.
Protesters, using whistles to alert neighborhoods to ICE activity, face off with Minneapolis police officers in Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 24, 2026.
Staff Turmoil
At the University of Notre Dame, the appointment of a known abortion advocate to lead a campus center prompted several staff members to sever ties with the university, citing disagreement with the hire and concerns about institutional priorities.
Taking a Stand
An elementary school teacher openly challenged the state teachers’ union over its position on a parental‑rights ballot measure, illustrating internal divisions among educators about political engagement and priorities.
Prayers Requested
Leaders at a Catholic school called for prayers after vandals desecrated a Mary statue and a tabernacle, urging the community to respond with faith and support for those affected.
Legal Trouble
A Temple University student accused of assisting media personality Don Lemon has been charged in connection with a federal case arising from a church‑storming incident, part of ongoing legal fallout from the episode.
Don Lemon speaks to the media after a hearing at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026.
Classroom Misconduct
In San Diego, a first‑grade teacher displayed the American flag upside down in class, prompting an official investigation into the incident and questions about classroom conduct and symbolism.
Sounding the Alarm
Education experts warned that the so‑called Mamdani plan could dismantle New York City’s gifted programs and disproportionately harm low‑income students who rely on those services for accelerated learning opportunities.
Big Move
Texas A&M announced it will wind down its Women’s and Gender Studies certificate program; some education advocates praised the decision as a reallocation of academic resources, while others criticized the move as a narrowing of curricular diversity.
Behind Closed Doors
Audio released from a private call with a group linked to Antifa captured a teachers’ union president calling former President Trump a “dictator,” sparking further controversy over union leadership, political alignment, and public perception.
What This Means: The items collected here reflect intensifying scrutiny of political activity connected to educators and campus organizations, legal and ethical questions about activism in schools, and policy proposals that could reshape program access for vulnerable students.
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