Public Schools Are Essential for Education Justice and a Thriving Democracy

The current administration’s assault on education illustrates public schools’ crucial role in our democracy. Understanding why public schools matter as a common good for our communities and nation is vital to countering efforts — such as the push for school vouchers — to undermine the public education system.

As T. Jameson Brewer, Ph.D., points out: “Schools are sites for exploration of ideas across a range of subject areas … in the quest to facilitate individuals becoming the best they can and living fulfilling lives. And beyond individual self-actualization and upward mobility, education offers collective growth and progress for entire communities.” This possibility of public schools uplifting individuals and communities is worth working toward.

Public schools are an ideal and vital mechanism for achieving a thriving democracy. Learn more with the first of three articles by Brewer on public schools as a common good, which explore the possibilities and threats to public education in the United States.