The Florida State Board of Education has ratified the Phoenix Declaration, a document criticized by some education advocates as an attempt to politicize the state’s public school system. The declaration, which was adopted during a board meeting, is described by opponents as being supported by special interests with significant financial backing.
Critics argue that the declaration seeks to transfer control of classrooms to political operatives and distracts from addressing real issues facing schools. Representatives from the Florida Education Association (FEA), who testified at the meeting, stated that educators do not require politically motivated statements to guide their work with students.
“Educators and parents know well that we are charged with helping children grow and learn to be their best selves, and educators and parents have long worked hand in hand to make students’ dreams come to life,” FEA representatives said during their testimony.
They called on the State Board of Education to focus on practical measures such as adequate funding for public schools, resolving teacher and staff shortages, and ensuring all children have access to quality neighborhood schools. According to FEA representatives: “Instead of chasing ideological agendas, the State Board of Education members should focus on what truly helps students: making sure public schools are fully funded, addressing the critical teacher and staff shortage, and guaranteeing that every child has access to a strong, neighborhood public school.”
The FEA also emphasized that families deserve investment in their local public schools rather than policies they describe as influenced by external groups. “Florida’s students and families deserve investment in their public schools, not a political pledge written by outside groups,” they said.
The Florida Education Association is recognized as the largest professional association for education employees in Florida. It represents more than 120,000 members including PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, educational staff professionals, student teachers at colleges and universities, and retired education employees.
