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CER Commentary
Letter to the Editor -- Philadelphia Inquirer
December 7, 2001
Showing that old-guard civil rights groups now side with powerful labor unions and administrators over working-class parents, the head of the local NAACP said the proposed takeover of Philly's failing school system would prompt civil disobedience (Inquirer, Nov. 28).
Unfortunately, while this group and many of its allies were once champions of the parents and children, this time it took the dismantling of a well-entrenched system to motivate them to action. It is tragic that the NAACP didn't declare war on the schools that have failed the children for so long.
From watching and prodding school reform efforts nationwide, we can offer that Philadelphia's potential protests over the state's action are not unique. In city after city, the vested interests have the loudest microphone, while parents' concerns and the very health and welfare of their children whose schools are a public shame are left out in the cold.
-- Jeanne Allen
President
Center for Education Reform
Washington
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The Center for Education Reform [CER] is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For additional information on education reform please call CER at (202) 822-9000.