Democrats have, for the most part, put a priority on pleasing public school teacher unions rather than educating their children. However, one is breaking free from the pack. Kathryn Garcia, who is running for mayor of the nation’s largest city, wants to make it easier for New Yorkers to enroll their children in charter schools. Naturally, she’s already made enemies.
The reaction from American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten was fast and furious. Parents, on the other hand, made their “disappointment” with Ms. Weingarten and her self-serving policies clear. They have pointed out the failings of a public school system that has made it difficult if not impossible for poor children to get an education amidst the COVID-19 lockdowns.
At present, Garcia is in third place in the polls. It remains to be seen if her stance on charter schools will improve her standing in the primaries. However, what can be said for sure is that the stance sets her apart from the two frontrunners, neither of whom support lifting the cap on charter schools in New York City.
A whopping 52,000 children are on charter school waitlists, and their parents would likely be all too pleased to see such a cap removed. If Garcia sees a rating boost as a result of her position, perhaps one or both frontrunners will take notice and move to embrace the same views. We’re not holding our breath, however. We’ve all seen the lobby power that teachers’ unions have over the Democratic Party. It was because of these unions that most American children have missed at least a year of school. Their grip on the Democratic Party is open and obvious. Considering this, we can’t help but admire Garcia for her brazenness..
Parents throughout the nation have seen for themselves that the public school system and its teacher unions care far more about virtue signaling and a woke agenda than actually educating the children in their care. Given these facts, it’s no surprise that school choice is becoming increasingly popular as parents opt to put their children in private school, charter school, or even school them at home.
Democrats, for the most part, seem to be more concerned about pushing an agenda than listening to constituents. It’s a welcome surprise that one has stepped out to support parents’ rights to pick the school that best meets their children’s needs. Hopefully, the move will shine a spotlight on the need for New York’s next mayor, whoever it may be, to prioritize educational needs of children over the AFT’s wishes and political contributions.
Look people, we all want the best for our children. But it doesn’t help if you are going to support someone by their PARTY! You have witness some candidates lying to help themselves. You also witness candidates who say one thing and do another once in office.