FRC Blog » School Choice

Daily Buzz

Krystle Weeks — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:30:58 +0000

Here’s what we are reading today.

“Obama Offers D.C. Voucher Program Extension for Existing Students,” Shailagh Murray, The Washington Post (May 6, 2009)
“Chaffetz leads fight against D.C. gay-marriage law,” Lee Davidson, Deseret News (May 6, 2009)
“If done well, gay marriage laws will include conscience rights,” Robin Wilson, Newsday (May 6, 2009)
“White House Begins Effort to Bridge the Divide on Abortion,” Laura Meckler, The Wall Street Journal (May 7, 2009)
“President to proclaim National (but private) Day of Prayer,” Manya Brachear, Chicago Tribune (May 7, 2009)
“Awareness of Same-Sex Threat to Religious Liberty Growing,” Thomas Messner, The Foundry (May 7, 2009)

Save School Choice in Washington, D.C.

Krystle Weeks — Thu, 07 May 2009 02:42:55 +0000

Today, I had the opportunity to attend the “Save Our D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Rally” at Freedom Plaza. Students from several Charter and private schools were in attendance chanting, “Put Kids First,” as well as parents, who were very concerned about the loss of funding for the D.C. Opportunity Scholarships, which allow students to attend private schools, instead of lower performing public schools throughout the District.

The crowd heard from many speakers, including Former Mayor Anthony Williams, Council member Marion Barry, School Choice advocate, Virginia Walden Ford, and many others, who were concerned about the education system in Washington, D.C. While there were many parents who spoke on behalf of the scholarships, the real impact came from two young men who talked about the education that they are able to achieve at the private schools where they are attending, compared to the public schools they used to attend. Both of these young men are brilliant, and there is no doubt that they will be able to achieve whatever career path they choose to pursue. Here is the video of their speech:

Why President Obama would want to end their dreams by eliminating these scholarships is puzzling. Obama was a product of a quality private education, and he has chosen the same education for his daughters, Sasha and Malia. Why would he deny the same opportunity for students in the District?

Blogosphere Buzz

Krystle Weeks — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:00:53 +0000

Here’s some of the buzz from the blogosphere.

“The Destruction of Choice in DC… Thanks to Obama,” lambofHisflock
“Limbaugh, Jeb Bush & Reagan,” The Anchoress
“Choice for Me, but not for Thee,” Timothy Potter, The Cloakroom
“NOW: Now and Then,” Tom McClusky, The Cloakroom