Historically, education has been a powerful catalyst for societal change, a medium through which individuals ascend social, economic, and intellectual ladders. However, if we glance through the annals of time, access to education was once a privilege afforded to the elite. Today, we argue, more than ever, that public education must be recognized as a fundamental civil right and not a mere privilege. Since 1973, access to education has been a state’s rights issue. Equity in access to education is not always prioritized or even recognized by different states. However, in a recent Harvard Law School Article, Kimberly Robinson argued for the federal right to education.
The Foundation of Democracy
Education is the backbone of a functioning democracy. An educated populace can make informed decisions, question authority constructively, and participate effectively in civic matters. Moreover, restricting access to education diminishes the quality of democracy by creating a lopsided distribution of knowledge and power. “Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” forms the foundation for our society. This continues to be a basic right that we struggle to ensure for all, even centuries after the founding documents were written.
Economic Empowerment
Economic disparities often arise from educational inequalities. Without universal access to education, we perpetuate a cycle in which only the privileged become equipped with skills for well-paying jobs while others remain in poverty. But how does recognizing public education as a right ensure that everyone has an equal chance at economic advancement? It ensures that more people have opportunities to compete by providing equitable access to skill development.
Breaking Socio-Cultural Barriers
Public education is a potent tool for dismantling longstanding socio-cultural barriers, such as race, gender, or caste. When everyone has the right to education, these boundaries blur, giving rise to a society that thrives on meritocracy rather than archaic hierarchies.
Harnessing Potential
Every individual is a reservoir of potential. Education is the tap. If only a select few have the privilege of education, society loses out on countless inventors, thinkers, leaders, and artists. Making public education a right ensures we harness the full spectrum of human potential.
Evolving World, Evolving Needs
In an era marked by rapid technological advances, not providing access to high-quality, public education for all is tantamount to leaving them behind. As the world evolves, so do its needs, and only through universal education can we ensure that every individual remains relevant and empowered. Next, we need to identify what prevents students from having access to this basic need.
Morality and Justice
From a moral standpoint, denying public education denies the basic human right to knowledge. Knowledge shapes minds, molds opinions, and influences decisions. To withhold education is to withhold the right to growth and enlightenment.
As Nelson Mandela beautifully encapsulated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It’s a sentiment echoing across centuries, resonant in the words of thinkers, revolutionaries, and leaders. The likes of Malala Yousafzai braved bullets in the quest for this right; countless unnamed souls have waged silent battles in its pursuit. While we’ve made strides globally in recognizing the importance of education, millions still remain deprived of it. Free, public education remains a distant dream, a privilege tantalizingly out of reach for them.
As we stand on the cusp of a new era, let’s reaffirm our commitment: Public education is, and must always remain, a civil right. Anything less is a disservice to the very ideals of humanity. Too often, students are denied access to a free, appropriate public education. Regardless of socioeconomic status, disability, race, gender expression, gender identity, etc., all students deserve to have a right to a free education.
What can I do?
Like us here at ExCEL, there are several organizations that are invested in supporting Education as a basic Civil Right. Connect with the local chapter of the National Alliance of Black School Educators. You can also connect with some local organizations right here in Arizona. Here are some that we recommend: