Missouri NEA’s Lawsuit Seeks to Deny School Choice

The Missouri National Education Association (MNEA) just proved again that its priority is protecting union power—not children., The union sued to block $51 million in funding for MOScholars, Missouri’s scholarship program that gives low-income families access to private, parochial, or home schools.

For families trapped in failing public schools, MOScholars is a lifeline. It offers parents the freedom to put their child in a safe, quality learning environment—something wealthier families already enjoy. The union wants to cut that rope.

Blocking Opportunity for the Poor

Let’s be clear: this lawsuit isn’t about constitutional procedure. It’s about power. By trying to stop scholarships, MNEA is fighting to keep enrollment—and the tax dollars tied to it—inside the public system. That protects union jobs and salaries. But it condemns thousands of kids to stay in schools that aren’t working.

The union claims the $51 million appropriation will “steal from our kids” and “kill small towns.” That’s false. No child loses when another gains opportunity. The only real theft here is the union trying to rob parents of the right to choose a better future for their children.

Who Really Gets Hurt

Wealthy families already have school choice. They can move to better districts or pay private tuition. Low-income families cannot. MOScholars exists for them—for the single mom in St. Louis whose son deserves safety, for the rural parents who want faith-based education, for the immigrant family who needs a school that fits their child’s learning needs.

The MNEA lawsuit slams the door on those children. It tells them: stay where you are, no matter how bad it is. That is not equality. That is entrenching poverty.

Education Should Serve Families, Not Public Sector Employees

The lawsuit makes one thing clear: the MNEA fears parents. They fear what happens when families finally have the power to walk away from schools that fail. Rather than compete and improve, the union runs to the courtroom to block alternatives.

Education should serve children, not bureaucracies. The $51 million in MOScholars funding would not weaken public schools—it would strengthen Missouri families. When parents can choose, schools must rise to meet higher expectations. Everyone benefits.

Time to Stand with Families

Lawmakers and leaders must reject the union’s lawsuit and defend MOScholars. Every dollar blocked is another opportunity stolen from a child who can’t afford to wait. The MNEA wants to keep poor families trapped. Missouri must give those families freedom instead.