The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) has demanded that Michele Morrow’s campaign for Superintendent of Public Instruction cease using an image of an apple in campaign materials, claiming trademark infringement. In a letter to Morrow’s campaign, the NCAE stated that they have established a trademark for the apple logo in connection with political advocacy. In response, Morrow stated that the NCAE’s claim is nonsense and that she does not want to be associated with their organization.
Morrow’s campaign emphasizes removing politics from classrooms and restoring academic excellence. The NCAE has threatened legal action if the use of the apple logo continues, citing a licensing agreement they obtained in 2014. Morrow has criticized the NCAE for their priorities, including supporting abortion rights and LGBTQ minorities over students’ education.
Dr. Robert Luebke of the John Locke Foundation questioned the NCAE’s decision to focus on a trademark issue rather than addressing larger issues faced by the organization. The conflict between Morrow’s campaign and the NCAE highlights the ongoing tension between education advocacy groups and political candidates. As the campaign for Superintendent of Public Instruction continues, the dispute over the use of the apple logo underscores the broader debate surrounding education policy and advocacy in North Carolina.
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