states offering their kids better schooling. The problems that exist in elementary schools, he said, extend into the state’s high schools and higher education institutions, too. “Public education is not just a system of learning. It’s the cornerstone of democracy,” Laura Munoz, of Florida Student Power, said. “It unites us, provides equal opportunities, and shapes students’ understanding of the world around us, shaping our values and preparing us for the challenges that lie ahead.” But “to become critical thinkers capable of navigating an increasingly complex world,” she said, requires “an education designed and made by educators, not by politicians, based on their expertise and knowledge, not political pandering.” “Despite Floridians’ overwhelming support for public schools, state leaders’ pursuit of antieducation laws and policies have diverted millions of dollars from public schools, diminishing the quality of education students can expect to receive,” SPLC Action Fund Florida policy director Jonathan Webber said. “We are already seeing the consequences of those decisions in how people vote and who they support for office. Floridians are determined to ensure all students have access to a quality free education without discrimination.” “This is a valuable lesson about listening to teachers before you pass sweeping, controversial changes.” The outcry over the leadership of former presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, Florida’s governor, in enacting book bans and other policies was such that he has begun to disavow them, and groups such as Moms for Liberty, that argued against inclusive school policies, were defeated in school board elections. Seeing that, the Florida Senate in February abandoned book bans and other bills targeting Black and LGBTQ+ communities. “The research is extremely clear. Floridians support our public schools, and they want professional educators to lead on how to best educate our children.” “Public education remains a cornerstone of our democracy,” Huang said. “Schools offer the opportunity to learn from our shared history in order to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. “They’re also mechanisms for educating voters and future voters about the values of a participatory democracy. It’s why the elected leaders of the Reconstruction era focused on building public education for all. They recognized the need to help everyone in our republic exercise their rights.” “Florida needs state leaders who understand the importance of public schools and will work to support them. That means equitable and strong funding, high-quality resources, and well-paid educators and support staff who are appropriately trained to work with children from all walks of life. It is essential to create inclusive learning environments where all children can thrive.”
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