A Violent Act
Public education is a cornerstone of democracy, providing every child, regardless of background, the opportunity to succeed. Yet, in recent years, we have witnessed deliberate efforts to defund and undermine public education. These actions are not just misguided policy changes, they represent a direct and violent assault on marginalized communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and denying access to the opportunities that education can provide.
The roots of public education in the United States trace back to the early 19th century, with the belief that an educated populace was crucial to the success of a democratic society. Public education was initially seen as a way to uplift those who had historically been excluded from power, particularly the poor, women, and communities of color. In its ideal form, public education is meant to level the playing field, offering all children a chance to succeed regardless of their race, class, or family background. Historically, public education has been an essential tool for social mobility. From the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, which sought to desegregate schools, to the establishment of programs like Head Start and TRiO that helped first-generation college students access higher education, public schools have often been the only path to a better life for marginalized communities. These institutions have provided not just academic knowledge but social capital, building networks, fostering a sense of identity, and nurturing the critical thinking skills needed to challenge the status quo.
In the context of this history, defunding public education is an act of violence. By removing vital resources from public schools, particularly in low-income and predominantly Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities, we are stripping away the tools necessary for students to achieve their full potential. This violence is not abstract. It shows up in the form of overcrowded classrooms, lack of access to quality teaching materials, insufficient mental health resources, and deteriorating school facilities. It manifests in the erosion of the very infrastructure that has historically provided a lifeline to marginalized communities. These cuts disproportionately affect students of color, students from low-income families, and students with disabilities, who already face systemic barriers to success. The dismantling of public education deepens these inequities, locking entire generations of children out of the possibility of upward mobility.
Defunding public education is an act that intentionally perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. When we remove funding from public schools, we are effectively telling students in these communities that their futures do not matter. We are telling them that their education, an essential tool for breaking free from systemic oppression, is not worth investing in. This is a direct attack on the human right to an equitable education, and it is an affront to the principles of justice and equality that should underpin our society.
It is important to acknowledge that public education, as it currently exists, is far from perfect. The system is deeply flawed, and many of its problems are long-standing. From issues of overcrowded classrooms and outdated curriculums to the underfunding of schools in low-income areas, public education has long been in desperate need of reform. But reform does not mean dismantling the system, it means reinvesting in it. Public education requires investment in both its infrastructure and its people. Teachers must be paid fair wages and provided with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom. Schools in low-income communities must receive adequate funding to ensure that students have access to the same opportunities as their wealthier counterparts. The curriculum must be updated to reflect the diverse experiences of all students, and there must be a concerted effort to address issues of bias and discrimination within the education system. The systemic inequities that exist within public education cannot be ignored. However, the solution to these problems is not to abandon public schools; it is to rebuild and reform them in ways that ensure all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background. Reform means more than just band-aid solutions, it means transformative change that addresses the root causes of inequality and makes public education a tool for liberation, not oppression.
The defunding of public education is an attack on the very foundation of our society, an attempt to undermine the principle that every child deserves an equal chance to succeed. We must not only resist these cuts but demand a reimagining of public education, one that provides adequate resources, support, and opportunities for all students, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. The road ahead is undoubtedly difficult, but we must continue to fight for a public education system that serves everyone, not just the privileged few. We must advocate for policies that address the systemic inequalities in our schools and push for the kind of reform that will make public education a true tool of social mobility for all.
Public education has always been a beacon of hope for marginalized communities. It has been the means through which individuals have been able to break free from cycles of poverty, challenge oppressive systems, and build a better future. We cannot allow these opportunities to be stripped away. Instead, we must rally together to protect, reform, and strengthen public education, ensuring that it remains a tool for liberation, empowerment, and equality. The fight for public education is a fight for justice. Let’s rise to the challenge and ensure that the promise of public education remains intact for generations to come.
