Randi Weingarten's Book Project Draws Scrutiny Over Use of Member Dues
A report by the Freedom Foundation details significant expenditure of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) member dues toward the creation and promotion of a book authored by AFT President Randi Weingarten. The book, titled Why Fascists Fear Teachers, saw hundreds of thousands of dollars allocated for ghostwriting, photography, legal review, and promotional activities. The core allegation is that union resources, intended for member representation, were instead funneled into a personal publishing venture, with Weingarten herself benefiting from a portion of the royalties.
The Freedom Foundation's analysis of federal financial disclosures indicates that over $400,000 was paid to Sally Kohn, described as a "day-to-day thought partner and collaborator" on the book. This figure reportedly dwarfs the amount paid to Kohn by the AFT in the five years prior to the book's project. Further expenses include $6,000 for fact-checking, $5,212 for Weingarten's author photograph, and $64,090 for publication services rendered by the literary agency InkWell Management.
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Additionally, nearly $1 million in payments were reportedly made to a New York law firm whose attorney is credited in the book's acknowledgments for providing a legal review.
Royalties and Opaque Financial Dealings
Despite Weingarten's public assertions that half of the book's proceeds would be directed to AFT charities, preliminary financial records suggest a different allocation. Early royalties indicated that charities received only one-third of the proceeds, with an additional $125,000 reportedly paid directly to Weingarten via a newly established Delaware LLC named "Teachers Want What Kids Need." The union is said to have retained the remainder of the advance and other proceeds.
This arrangement has raised questions about the transparency of the financial dealings, particularly the creation of the opaque LLC to receive a substantial portion of the funds. While representatives for Weingarten have disputed some characterizations, noting Kohn's involvement in other union initiatives, the core issue of member dues funding the book project and subsequent personal financial gain remains a point of contention.
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Background and Context
The controversy surfaces amidst ongoing political debates surrounding education policy, curriculum standards, and the role of teachers unions in national discourse. Critics argue that the expenditures represent a misuse of union dues, which members pay primarily for workplace representation. Maxford Nelsen, Freedom Foundation Director of Research and Government Affairs, stated that members "owe AFT’s 1.8 million members an apology and their money back."
The book itself has drawn attention for its commentary on political figures, with some interpretations suggesting comparisons between President Donald Trump and fascist ideologies. Weingarten has maintained that the book was a defense of public education and not a direct accusation against any specific political figure.
