Keep education the ‘great equalizer’
The Supreme Court recently made rulings weakening affirmative action in college admission. College costs continue to rise while interest on college loans have doubled. Public education is suffering from decreased funding while tax funds provide vouchers for private schools.
Many Americans don’t really believe in equal educational opportunity for all. It may be that they don’t want the children of taxi drivers and house cleaners to compete with their children for admission to Harvard and Yale.
In America, education has become the “great equalizer.” Those who don’t believe in this would rather that wealth and influence, not necessarily ability, determine who receives this incredible opportunity. America faces a crucial crossroads. Will our government remain a democracy or will the oligarchs gain control for their own special benefit?
Education for all is necessary for a democracy to flourish. Americans must rededicate themselves to education for all or see our democracy wither away.
Karen Wagner
Rolling Meadows