Friend —
Yesterday, in my address to the National Education Association, I proposed a constitutional amendment to establish a right to an adequate education in America. I want to ask you to support it — but first I want to tell you why.
In a nation that was founded on the principle of equal opportunity, a quality public education should be the birth right of every American. Education, especially in the 21st century, is the gateway to opportunity.
Yet the United States Supreme Court has ruled that no such right exists at the federal level. So it’s up to us to create it.
| SIGN NOW» |
Economic and racial inequality is hardwired into the way we fund public education. The dependence on local property taxes to fund education works in tandem with inequities in housing to disproportionately harm middle class and working class communities and communities of color.
That means that as the richest Americans enjoy tax cuts, many of our nation’s public schools are forced to try to get by with fewer resources.
It is long past time for fundamental changes.
A right to, at a minimum, an adequate education would lead to more equitable funding — and more funding overall — to support students nationwide.
I’ve always said there’s plenty of money in this country, it’s just in the wrong hands. Enshrining a constitutional guarantee to an adequate education ensures that more money goes to helping working families nationwide. It’s long past time to take action.
Thank you for lending a hand,
Bill de Blasio
| SIGN NOW» |
