On today’s Labor 131 segment, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Tom Suhrbur, author and retired organizer for the Illinois Education Association (IEA), discussed his book "Public Education and Social Reform: A History of the Illinois Education Association." Suhrbur highlighted the IEA's founding in 1853, its evolution from a professional organization to a militant union and its ongoing fight for equitable public education.
Suhrbur traced the IEA's roots to the early days of Illinois statehood, revealing how the organization was crucial in establishing a publicly funded school system. He explained that the IEA's founders, many of whom were abolitionists, saw public education as essential for a democratic society and as a counterpoint to the lack of public schools in slave-holding states. This connection between education and social progress has remained a core tenet of the IEA throughout its history, Suhrbur added.
The author then detailed the IEA's struggles with racial segregation in Illinois schools, which persisted well into the 20th century. Despite the organization's early opposition to exclusion, it took until the 1870 state constitution to mandate "public schools for all children." Even then, segregation continued in many parts of the state, with some schools remaining segregated into the early 1960s. Suhrbur’s research uncovered stark examples of educational inequality, including separate schools for black and white students and the use of busing to enforce segregation.
Suhrbur also discussed the ongoing challenges in education funding, tracing the debate back to the 19th century. He explained how the IEA has long advocated for more equitable funding models, initially supporting a state property tax before shifting to support for a state income tax. This struggle over how to fund public education equitably remains a central issue for the IEA today, he said, along with ongoing battles against racism, sexism and attacks on unions.
Listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to hear Suhrbur’s interview.