There’s a long history of political theater ignoring the root causes of American problems in favor of addressing wedge issues that get a rise out of voters. Scores of politicians across the decades have cemented their careers with eloquent platitudes or, more recently, by madly talking over each other and battling the moderator.
During Tuesday night’s presidential debate, many issues voters wanted to hear about remained untouched, including the current and future state of education. Education lies at the root of nearly every social and economic challenge facing the country, but has hardly been a part of the national conversation. In a debate that toiled on for more than 90 minutes, the discussion on schools lasted, at most, two minutes.
It’s been nearly two months since the most unique academic semester in our history began. It’s been almost seven months since the unprecedented, nationwide school closures. Yet, millions of students and parents remain under-resourced and under-prepared to navigate the trials and tribulations of pandemic-era education. But even before the pandemic, hundreds of thousands of students were stuck in failing schools with no reprieve.
So, instead of fighting each other, what should have Joe Biden and President Trump talked about at the debate? Providing options for families and students that have been hit hard by the pandemic, and finding solutions for students who were struggling long before this semester.
Before COVID-19, education choice was about empowering families to choose the best educational option for their children, regardless of financial circumstance. In the COVID-19 era, education choice is even more necessary as millions of families struggle with internet access, technology inefficiencies, and the economic burden of having students attend school remotely. Meanwhile, most schools remain closed to in-person instruction while holding on to billions in federal relief funds, money that many families desperately need.
Trump has been a vocal supporter of expanding school choice programs. The debate stage is an appropriate platform for him to explain why he feels so strongly that school choice is the right way to address this country’s education challenges. He might choose to explain that nearly all recipients of school choice scholarship programs come from low-income families. He could highlight the stories of students like myself.
Because of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program, I attended a private school that expanded my academic expectations and positioned me to make the most of my future. School choice put me into an environment that pushed me to succeed. My story is but one of millions that was made possible because of school choice policies.
Biden should also seize an opportunity to discuss his education platform, and clarify his position on school choice. After all, Biden at one time was open to the idea of private school vouchers and, during the Obama administration, public charter schools flourished. Yet, despite overwhelming support from the public, many in the Democratic Party, including Biden more recently, have been critical of school choice efforts at both the state and federal level.
Last night, in the few seconds spent on the topic of education, Biden cited a lack of financial resources, not health, as the reason schools have not reopened. Ignoring the billions of dollars in federal relief money provided for schools by the CARES Act, the truth remains that it costs taxpayers zero dollars to give families additional options. Considering the state of American education has experienced no widespread, significant improvements throughout Biden’s decades in politics, perhaps it’s time for him and the Democratic Party to reevaluate their education platform, and focus on giving lower-income families the power to choose for themselves.
As the race tightens and election night nears, Trump and Biden should remember America’s students and families. I encourage them, whether asked by the media or not, to let voters know where they stand on the future of education in America, whether every child in this country deserves the opportunity to receive a high quality education of his or her parent’s choice, and whether their administration will make that a reality or stand in the way.
Nathan Cunneen is an American Federation for Children Future Leaders fellow and student at Loyola University Maryland majoring in economics and global studies. He is a recipient of Florida’s tax-credit scholarship program.
