Parents, children, lawmakers and educators gathered at an ‘Education Freedom Rally’ in Jackson on Wednesday.
The event, hosted by the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, was attended by over 120 people, with representatives from half a dozen different organizations taking part.
“Last week saw the Republicans win a super majority in Mississippi. Parents at our rally would like to see them use that majority to achieve major strategic change in Mississippi education,” explained Douglas Carswell, CEO of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy.
Corey DeAngelis of the Federation for American Children spoke at the event, explaining why school choice is essential in order to improve education in Mississippi.
Over half a dozen states – including neighbouring Arkansas - now have universal school choice programs, with families having control over their child’s education tax dollars. Families in Arkansas can now allocate that money, worth about $9,000 - $10,000 a year to a school of their choice.
“Moms and dads in Arkansas can spend that money from the government to send their child to a public school, private school, church school, charter school or even home school. They can even use the money to buy their child extra tuition if they need support in certain subjects,” Carswell explained. “We believe families in Mississippi should have the same right.”
Rep Aaron Pilkington, one of the cosponsors of Arkansas reforms, spoke at the event, explaining how school choice could be implemented in Mississippi.
Also speaking at the event were children from the Redeemer’s School in Jackson. They explained how important school is to them, and how attending Redeemer’s has given them great opportunities.
