On September 21, 2013 a large group of children, parents, grandparents, school staff, teachers and community members gathered to affirm Public Education as a Civil Right. Locals and supporters from miles away came together at Milwaukee High School of the Arts at 10:30 a.m. Once the crowd was gathered, myself among them, we marched across the 16th Street Bridge to Forest Home Avenue School, There a rally commenced. As one we proclaimed a world-class public education is the civil right of every child.
It was a joyous, energetic event. All there spoke to the core belief that each of our children has a fundamental right to the highest quality, fully funded Public Education. No matter the race, religion or creed, children are our treasure. If we are to sustain and build on democratic principles, no child can be exempted. Excellence in education must be provided to all.
I spoke with moms and dads from the Latino, black white urban suburban and rural communities. Each concurred; civic engagement is borne in free community and neighborhood based schools. These are the cornerstone to democracy and essential if we are to grow healthy as a nation.
When asked why would we place our students in schools that are for profit, religiously bias, unequally open to all students we had but one answer. We would not. The concepts are contrary to our core beliefs; all children regardless of race, wealth, religion or sexual orientation deserve an opportunity to develop a cultured inquisitive mind.
Grandparents, fathers and mothers want to know why our public dollars should be used to fund privatized restrictive educational environments? I do too. Why provide school buildings to charter schools that on average spend less than public schools on academics and significantly more per student on administration.
Michigan State Researchers asked the same question. Reporting in Forbes they found that charter schools in their area, spent $774 more per student on administration, and $1,140 less on instruction. Imagine that.
Where does that money go? The study goes on to assert, as other investigations have, the dollars are drained into the pockets of the hedge fund investors and privateers. Exorbitant salaries are funded through public funds and fees. Students and parents pay, but not for a quality education. For profit schools do as they are designed to do, profit the industry and the individuals who work for and with them.
Parent ire is stirred. Students too feel the fury. To be deprived of a quality education while being drained of the dollars that were meant to buy one…This Saturday, September 21st the people took to the streets. They said, “Profiteers, go home!” “Democracy Return!”
Yes. Speeches were made. But will these be heard? Please help spread the word. Listen to the students from the Latino Voces de la Frontera as they speak out for Public Education as a Civil Right. Even if only in spirit March with us once again.
By Bob George, National Director of Save Our Schools. Educator, Activist, Advocate for Peace, Social Justice, Education is a Human Right.
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