I don't know if Bennish is a union member or not. I am just reporting what the NEA affiliate said. But in any event there is a lot more at stake here than a free-rider thing. Bennish is a very young man. We don't know his view of the teachers' union or any unions (or even if the union has bargaining rights and a contract) The union should support him and oppose what is going on here, irrespective of anything else. Show everyone what a good union does. I'll bet Bennish would join then. Your black and white view here is really stupid. I've known lots of anti-union folks who have come around to support the union. After they and trouble or after they saw what a union could do. Just like in the classroom, patient organizing and principled behavior sometimes win the day.
Let me add that the teachers' unions don't have such good records on trying to expand the civil rights of teachers and certainly not on fighting for the civil rights of students.
Yes, Bennish has a lawyer. But what does this have to do with anything? The union needs to support him. It can do this without providing a lawyer for him. Though I don't see why it couldn't offer one.
And Nathan, I hope you are going to call the school board or at least send an email.
Michael Yates