Newsroom
Support SB 508 to Bar Immigration Enforcement in Schools
MEA members are encouraged to contact their lawmakers in support of Senate Bill 508, which will be up for a hearing in the Senate on Thursday, Jan. 29. SB 508 would designate certain places like schools, courthouses and other “sensitive locations” as immigration-enforcement-free zones. Children should not have to fear being taken by ICE while they sit in a classroom. Michigan residents…
Michigan Education Leaders United in Support of Safe, Welcoming Schools
JOINT STATEMENT – January 28, 2026 As education leaders, our shared responsibility is to ensure that schools remain safe, stable, and welcoming environments where every student can learn without fear. Recent immigration enforcement action, both nationally and here in Michigan, have created anxiety and uncertainty for students, families, and educators alike. When events beyond the schoolhouse generate fear or trauma,…
Supporting students amidst immigration fear and uncertainty
UPDATE 1/28: MEA members are urged to contact lawmakers to support SB 508 (up for a Senate hearing tomorrow), which would designate certain places like schools, courthouses and other “sensitive locations” as immigration-enforcement-free zones. Today, MEA joined with other statewide education organizations to issue a joint statement on "our shared responsibility is to ensure that schools remain safe, stable, and…
MEA praises state lawmakers for passing bill restricting smartphone use in schools
The Michigan Education Association praised state lawmakers for passing bipartisan legislation Thursday to require that school districts adopt policies banning student smartphone use during instructional time. “We commend state lawmakers for working together on a bipartisan basis to address addictive smartphone use among students,” said MEA President and CEO Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland County. “Frontline teachers and school support…
School secretary recalls run-in with gunman
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor "Remember your why. That day, knowing why I became a secretary helped me so much." - Maria Scott For MEA member Maria Scott, the Romulus Middle School secretary who averted tragedy when an armed man rang the school’s front buzzer, first her instincts kicked in — then her training took hold. “I knew something…
MEA recommends Gilchrist for Secretary of State
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist The Michigan Education Association is recommending Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state, the state’s largest public employee union and education organization announced Wednesday. “Our members who interviewed the candidates were excited to hear Garlin’s plans to partner with educators so the secretary of state can make a difference for students – ranging from quality…
Hero secretary reveals gunman’s demands at Romulus Middle School
Maria Scott From WXYZ Detroit ABC 7: https://www.wxyz.com/news/region/wayne-county/youre-gonna-give-me-my-son-hero-secretary-reveals-gunmans-demands-at-romulus-middle-school Check out this story about Maria Scott, the Romulus Middle School secretary who helped prevent a potential tragedy by denying building access to a banned parent who showed up at the school with a loaded weapon. Hear about the terrifying encounter and how Scott's instincts and training protected her students from danger. This…
Where key legislative issues stand headed into 2026
It was a year of much political division in the Legislature for 2025, with a record-low number of new laws. With the 2026 legislative session about to begin on the third week of January, Speaker Matt Hall is reportedly aiming for another year with minimal laws passed. That said, there were several bills signed into law late in 2025 and many more…
Let’s honor educators’ commitment to public service
By Chandra Madafferi, President and CEO of the Michigan Education Association From public school educators and police officers to firefighters and those serving in our military, it’s important that we honor these hardworking public servants and their dedication to improving the lives of others. Public school teachers, school support staff and other educators devote their careers to serving the public,…
MEA recommends McDonald for Attorney General
Karen McDonald The Michigan Education Association is pleased to announce the recommendation of Karen McDonald for Attorney General. Following interviews with our Statewide Screening & Recommendation Committee, which candidates from both parties were invited to attend, the committee voted to recommend McDonald to MEA members as the strongest candidate in this important race. The committee is made up of MEA members…