From being a classroom teacher to becoming a principal and founding a public progressive middle school in the Bronx, I have devoted my life to public education, to educating and nurturing our students, supporting their families and taking on the politicians and corporate interests that harm our children and destabilize our communities through privatizing and defunding our schools.

I was honored to author this op-ed in the New York Daily News about rethinking the achievement gap, and why it’s really a school discipline gap.

The difference in academic outcomes between black and white students is often described as an achievement gap. But as a former public school principal, I know that this description misses the mark. It places the blame and responsibility on black students and families and ignores the role elected officials and policies play in maintaining structural barriers. That's why I am fighting to bring a new deal for education to Congress.

My decision to run for Congress grows out of my experience as an educator, activist, organizer, and advocate for my students and their families. When elected, I will be one of the only school principals ever elected to Congress in our country’s history. I will bring people together in our district and in Washington just as I have done in our district and our state for many years regarding issues of education, racial, and economic justice.

I have been a champion for our children my entire adult life, and with your support, I can be your education champion in the halls of Congress.

In solidarity,

Jamaal Bowman