Featuring Nicole Neily, President of Parents Defending Education
Nicole Neily is a committed and passionate advocate for freedom of speech and academic liberty. Her aspirations led her to founded and led Parents Defending Education, a non-partisan organization focused on promoting and restoring education to be healthy and non-political for kids. Her commitment and desire to encourage parents to stand up for their children’s education guided Neily to become a figure for conversations covering education reform and civil liberties, empowering parents to stand up against ideological curricula and advocating for school transparency.
Neily’s early life was shaped by her commitment to individual rights and freedom of expression. As a graduate of the University of Illinois and the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University, her academic background in public policy and communications has set the foundation for her future work. Early career experiences in advocacy organizations like the Cato Institute and the Independent Women’s Forum further strengthened her resolve to fight for freedom in education and government accountability.
Neily’s advocacy focuses on safeguarding the First Amendment rights of students, parents, and educators in K-12 education. Her work has exposed numerous instances of critical race theory and other politically driven curricula, helping spark a nationwide debate on the role of ideology in education. Through Parents Defending Education, she has partnered with legal organizations and other advocacy groups to help communities challenge school policies that infringe on free expression and parental rights. Her efforts have resonated with countless parents nationwide, who have found a voice and advocate through her leadership.
In addition to her work at Parents Defending Education, Neily has held positions in leading advocacy organizations, including serving as President of Speech First, where she defended students’ rights to free speech on college campuses. Neily’s voice has become influential in media, policy forums, and legislative efforts. She has appeared in numerous interviews and written extensively on education and civil liberties issues. Her work has earned her recognition within the conservative movement and from parents and educators who share her concerns about modern education.
Nicole Neily is driven by the belief that education should be free from political indoctrination and that parents have the fundamental right to influence their children's education. She advocates for a future where academic freedom is restored, schools are accountable to parents and taxpayers, and students are empowered to think critically and independently. She aims to continue building a national movement that challenges overreach in schools and ensures that future generations receive a balanced, unbiased education.
Nicole Neily’s work has struck a national conversation on parental rights in education, making her a leading voice in the movement to restore school transparency and accountability. Through her leadership, thousands of parents and educators have been empowered to push back against educational ideological agendas, leaving a lasting impact on the broader fight for free speech and academic freedom. Her legacy inspires others to stand up for their rights and protect the future of education in America.