Trump Advocates for Federal Education Funds to ‘Follow the Student’ in Nationwide School Choice Push

Donald Trump

Harris and Democrats Oppose School Choice Policies

National School Choice Week Begins

As National School Choice Week kicks off, Corey DeAngelis, senior fellow at the American Federation for Children, to discuss how the National Education Association is actively campaigning against school choice initiatives.

Trump’s Push for Universal School Choice

Former President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to school choice, emphasizing that federal education funds should “follow the student.” He has positioned school choice as a top priority should he return to the White House, advocating for policies that empower parents to select the best educational options for their children.

“We need to ensure that education dollars are dedicated to students, not sustaining an overgrown and radical bureaucracy in Washington,” Trump stated during an event in Milwaukee.

Trump Criticizes Harris and the Democrats

Trump specifically called out Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party, accusing them of keeping minority children “trapped in failing government schools.”

“Education should not be determined by a ZIP code,” Trump continued. “Every parent should have the freedom to choose a school that meets their child’s needs.”

Expanding Education Options

Trump’s universal school choice policy would allow federal funds to be used for public, private, or religious schools, increasing options for families nationwide. His campaign argues that school choice leads to improved graduation rates, better student performance in reading and math, and increased parental involvement.

Currently, 11 states have adopted universal school choice, while 32 states and Washington, D.C., offer at least one private school choice program. However, 18 states lack any such initiatives.

The Republican Platform and School Choice

The 2024 Republican Party platform reflects Trump’s vision, supporting tax credit scholarships and Education Savings Accounts, which already assist over a million K-12 students across the U.S.

Kellyanne Conway, a former Trump adviser, credited Trump with elevating school choice to national prominence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Before Trump took office, no states had universal school choice. Now, nearly a dozen do, largely due to his leadership,” Conway told.

Democrats Push Back Against School Choice

Democrats and teachers’ unions have ramped up their opposition to school choice. The selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Harris’ running mate was celebrated by public educators due to his strong stance against school choice initiatives.

Walz, a former teachers’ union member, has consistently opposed school choice, arguing that it undermines public schools.

Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos criticized Walz, calling his policies a “five-alarm fire for parents and students.”

Democratic Education Policies

The Democratic platform supports increasing federal funding for public education, aiming to ensure all children, regardless of location, receive quality K-12 instruction. Harris’ campaign also prioritizes expanding access to affordable childcare, reducing student loan debt, and creating career pathways for non-college graduates.

Parental Rights and the Future of Education

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, parental engagement in education has surged. According to Conway, this momentum continues as parents push for more control over their children’s schooling and curricula.

“Parents want a say in their children’s education,” Conway said, citing the growing number of school board candidates and education-focused political movements.

During his first term, Trump signed an executive order expanding school choice, allowing families to access emergency K-12 scholarships during the pandemic. His administration also invested $1.5 billion into public charter schools and expanded tax benefits for parents using education savings accounts.

The Battle Over ‘Choice’

Conway argues that Democrats have monopolized the term “choice,” restricting its use to abortion rights while neglecting its application to education.

“The left insists on controlling the word ‘choice’ when it comes to abortion, but parents deserve choice when it comes to their children’s education,” she said.

What’s Next?

Should Trump be re-elected, he has vowed to make school choice a major priority, aiming to give parents greater control over their children’s education while increasing competition among schools.

“Education should offer the same level of choice we see in other aspects of life,” Conway concluded. “Parents should not be forced into a single education system with no alternatives.”

Conclusion

The debate over school choice continues to be a defining issue in the 2024 election, with Trump advocating for greater parental control while Democrats emphasize strengthening public education. As the political battle intensifies, the future of school funding and educational freedom remains at the forefront of national discussion.

Source: FOX News


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