Black Education Advocates Demand Debate Focus on Student Achievement Crisis in Houston

On September 9, 2024, the Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools (FCCS) called for a focus on the education crisis affecting Black children during the upcoming ABC News Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The organization, founded by a group of Black educators and activists, emphasizes that mainstream media and candidates have largely overlooked the significant failures in education that disproportionately impact African American students. Sarah Carpenter, the founder of the Powerful Parent Movement, highlighted the urgent need for high-quality education to ensure America's future as a world leader. The FCCS advocates for various reforms, including improved school choice, increased access to college and career readiness, and the expansion of academic offerings that reflect cultural relevance. Recent statistics reveal alarming disparities in educational outcomes, with only 13% of Black fourth-graders proficient in reading and 11% in math, exacerbated by declines in performance following the pandemic. The organization argues that the current focus of political parties on issues like student loan debt and teacher pay neglects the pressing need for K-12 education reform. Furthermore, a survey conducted by FCCS indicates a strong demand among Black and Latino voters in swing states for educational improvements that include more options and culturally relevant curricula. The group asserts that allowing predominantly white teachers' unions to dominate education policy discussions fails to address the diverse needs of students of color, perpetuating long-standing inequalities in the education system. In conclusion, the FCCS is urging both political parties to prioritize solutions that will close the opportunity gap for Black students, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to quality education as a means of economic empowerment and educational advancement for marginalized communities.