Bye, Bye Bigotry, New Pilgrims in Congress, a challenge to the President-elect and what is Thanksgiving about anyway?
Next week most of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving — safely— despite the hue and cry, and what a great time to remember why the Pilgrims came here (and NO 1619 project et al, it wasn’t to start a slave nation). Just so happens that these 400 years later the themes are still alive — and need our attention.
FREEDOM FROM RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY. That’s precisely the issue at the heart of the recent US Supreme Court Decision, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, and a parent’s right to direct the education of their child no matter where they choose to send them. That pathbreaking decision paves the way for more education opportunity for all kids and the beginning of the end of the bigoted Blaine Amendment. To help that along we’ve released an in depth analysis authored by Kirkland and Ellis partner and former Solicitor General Paul Clement which shows the way to remove the stain of religious discrimination from the 37 state constitutions which still have them. Help us put the final nail in the Blaine coffin and bring educational opportunity to all kids, regardless of their religion. Let us know if you want to be a part of this great opportunity!
NEW CHOICE PILGRIMS WIN AT BALLOT BOX. The uniquely Democratic Republic which had its infancy in the Mayflower Compact yielded some great winners this year in the states. Here’s just a couple:
- From the second highest ranking state on the “Parent Power Index” comes state Representative Byron Donalds, “Congressman-elect” from the Fort Myers, FL’s 19th District. The advocate for quality education and education freedom is sure to brighten and enlighten his new colleagues.
- A double dose of encouragement comes from the Tar Heel State, where choice advocate Catherine Truitt was elected Superintendent of Schools, because she championed freedom, flexibility and excellence! Another friend of common sense education efforts is Mark Robinson, who is now North Carolina’s first black Lieutenant Governor. Huzzah!
Congressman-elect, FL-19th District
Superintendent of Schools, NC
Lieutenant Governor, NC
No matter who won elections in your state, do you know where your state stands In the battle for parent power and enabling charter schools? The answers are just one click away in our Parent Power Index and National Charter School Law Ranking and Scorecard.
JOIN US LIVE ON PLYMOUTH ROCK. We’re not just making this stuff up. For over 400 years we have celebrated Thanksgiving, but understanding its origins and how it foresaw the beginnings of peaceful assembly is critical to any understanding of US history. Beat the revisionist history making its way into your schools and join us this THURSDAY at 4 PM for the 7th Session of CER’s Why America? Teacher Enrichment Effort which will feature historical interpreters and experts on the ground at Plymouth Rock! Interactive discussion, teacher tools to inspire students, and bring your students, too! Register here!
Participation in our “Why America?” series gives you access to our Master Teacher Recognition Program and Professional Development Credentials. Registration is a snap – reward yourself!
MR. BIDEN: THEY CAME FOR LEADERSHIP, TOO. For much of his career, the President-elect was supportive of “real, if modest” education reform. But when the union endorsed Joe Biden, the tables turned. As The Wall Street Journal reports, the head of a teachers union may be his pick for Secretary of Education. That’s not leadership. Come on, Senator. Don’t play that game. As our Jeanne Allen told the Journal, doing that “would be the biggest union payback since Jimmy Carter created the Department of Education in 1979…and a sign that the teachers unions now own him lock, stock and barrel.”AND NOW FOR THIS WEEK’S SONG…. We are confident that eventually COVID will eventually be over. In the meantime, we take hope in the tuneful advice of our favorite curly haired redhead that the sun will come out tomorrow. And as always – don’t hesitate to let us know if we can be of assistance to you, your schools or your kids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yop62wQH498
Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education. We’re always delighted to hear from our readers…suggestions, questions and even the occasional complaint!