Recently, the Washington State Education Association (WEA) adopted a policy that teachers would no longer reimburse school employees for charitable items purchased from Wal-Mart (unless Wal-Mart is the only retail operator in their area). The WEA charity offers an easy way for school employees to help students who come to class without coats, jeans, shoes, boots or other basic school supplies.

Retail workers and others in Washington state have praised the WEA for its leading role in educating the public about Wal-Mart's failing record for our children, our communites and our country. United Food and Commercial Workers leaders presented the WEA Children’s Fund with $6,500 in contributions at WEA’s Board of Directors meeting on June 10 in support of the charity’s stand against Wal-Mart’s harmful employee practices.

UFCW International Vice President Geralyn Lutty said, “The policy adopted by WEA regarding not providing reimbursement for items bought at Wal-Mart is commendable. We know that Wal-Mart is not good for Washington and threatens the future of all our children.”

In addition to the decision by the Children’s Fund board to discontinue payments for Wal-Mart purchases, WEA members at the Association’s annual convention in May voted overwhelmingly to recommend that school employees do not shop at the retail giant.

The National Education Association (NEA) Executive Committee has also recently endorsed the Wake-Up Wal-Mart campaign, stating that "the company has drained billions of dollars from public coffers -- money that could otherwise fund schools."

It is time to send Wal-Mart Back-to-School. To sign the pledge, click here.