Education Technology Companies and AFT/CFT

Submitted by the Labor and Climate Justice Education Committee and the Higher Educational Issues Committee

Whereas, since 2023, AFT has partnered with Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic to create a “National Academy for A.I. Instruction”; and

Whereas, Microsoft donated over $10 million and OpenAI pledged $10 million to support AFT’s AI initiatives; and

Whereas, these funds aim to train hundreds of thousands of educators to use AI in classrooms; and

Whereas, AFT locals have received grants for AI-related projects possibly funded by tech companies; and

Whereas, this partnership creates a conflict of interest undermining teachers’ ability to oppose untested AI tools; and

Whereas, UTLA and UESF have passed resolutions opposing AFT’s acceptance of $23 million from these companies;

Therefore, be it resolved that the CFT oppose the decision by AFT to accept money from education technology companies; and

Be it further resolved that CFT officers and staff shall not accept compensation or participate in events sponsored by such companies without executive council approval; and

Be it finally resolved that CFT call upon AFT to provide full transparency about its legal and financial partnerships with education technology companies.

Sources:

• NYTimes (July 8–9, 2025): reports on Microsoft and OpenAI partnerships.
• OpenAI Global Affairs: openai.com/global-affairs/aft/
• Campus Labor Blog (Aug 2025)
• Microsoft Education Blog (Oct 2024)