This paper considers education in the Mexican state of Oaxaca and the effects that an active teachers' union has had upon not only the education of the primary and secondary schools that the teachers represent, but also on higher educational policy in the state. The difference between rhetoric and reality is explored in terms of the union as a social movement, as well as the messy political environment in which it must operate. Through the presentation of a case study of a public higher education initiative, it is argued that the government's response to the teachers' union has included a "ripple effect" throughout educational planning in order to suppress further activism. It is concluded that the prolonged stand-off between the union and the government is counterproductive to educational progress and has turned the general public's favor against the union, in contrast to support for other movements demanding change from the government.