Education Secretary Cardona to Defend Public Education in Key States

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona is set to embark on a three-day bus tour through key battleground states in September, aimed at countering Republican criticisms of public education as the election approaches. The tour, themed “Fighting for Public Education,” will kick off in Wisconsin and include stops in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. This initiative is a direct response to the controversial Project 2025 playbook, which outlines Republican strategies for education reform, including school choice policies and the defunding of schools that address gender transition. The tour comes in the wake of heightened rhetoric from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who has advocated for significant changes in education, including the elimination of teacher tenure and a focus on promoting patriotism in schools. Prominent Democrats, including President Joe Biden and former First Lady Michelle Obama, have condemned these proposals, labeling them as threats to public education. Obama emphasized the importance of a comprehensive education system, arguing that dismantling the Department of Education and banning books will not adequately prepare children for the future. Cardona has criticized the conservative agenda, asserting that his mission is to defend public education against efforts to undermine it. The tour will highlight K-12 and higher education policies from the Biden administration, including student loan relief initiatives that have faced legal challenges. A recent Pew Research Center study indicates that a significant majority of adults believe public education is declining, reflecting a growing concern over various issues, including gun violence and cultural debates. Education experts suggest that collaborative models, such as "communities in schools," could be a starting point for reform, although they warn that a complete overhaul of the education system may take five to ten years to realize.