by Wendy Howard
While working on our upcoming National School Choice Week event that will showcase the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision I noticed some similar behaviors between those who opposed desegregation in that landmark case and the behaviors of those who oppose school choice today.
Anger, hatred, name calling. Shall I go on? People can be very cruel when they feel threatened or disagree.
Growing up in Iowa, I was never subjected to racism or real hatred. There were nice people and there were mean people. Color was never a factor in determining who my friends were. At times, best friends would wind up duking it out at the bus stop and then be best friends again the next day. (Yes, I was one of those who did that.)
Our parents taught us that if you didn’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. If you do something, do your very best or don’t bother doing it all. Most importantly, always – always – do the right thing.
Many things have changed since I grew up in Iowa, but some things haven’t. Parents still value education. Parents still know what’s best for their children.
Over the years, my daughter Jessica has accessed several schooling options. She is currently in a charter school. But back in 2009, when she was seven years old, she began a petition to remove the requirement that students be enrolled in public school for at least one year before they can enroll in a district virtual education program. Many who opposed what Jessica was doing attacked me. They even attacked her! That was my first taste of what the real world was like when dealing with what I later realized was very controversial.
Jessica had the opportunity to learn the importance of doing what we felt was right for ourselves and for others. I told Jessica that no matter whether someone agreed with us or not, she must always be respectful. That is the right thing to do. At times, I had to bite my tongue until it hurt because Jessica was watching. I had to be a good example. I had to do what I was taught.
While many choice options are available in many states, we still have a long ways to go. Parents sit on wait lists or worse yet, don’t have options that are accessible. There is strong opposition to school choice and to the idea that parents should have the ability to do what is best for their child. In fact, some organizations have even stated that parents aren’t smart enough to know what is best for their child.
I know the opposition will not end in my lifetime or yours. Everyone will continue to protect their territory and the many dollars that follow. And they will not be nice about it. But that doesn’t mean we should just let them have their way.
As we celebrate National School Choice Week later this month, and approach the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we need to find ways for those who support school choice to come together. Whatever education sector we’re in, we all believe children deserve the opportunity for a high quality education that’s best for them
It only takes a few parent and student ambassadors from different areas of school choice to build a strong grassroots parent coalition in a state. I know that’s easier said than done, but it’s a worthy goal that will make a difference. There is strength in numbers. And nobody makes the case for school choice better than parents.
In the end, forming coalitions to more effectively push for school choice is the right thing to do. I know I’m going to follow what my parents taught me, and try my best to keep making that a reality. Please join me!
