In Retrospect

As my interest in social issues develops, I am becoming more aware that my civil rights are being violated by an unequal opportunity to be educated. We live in a nation that is built on the idea that all women and men are created equal. The definition of equality is to be equal in status, rights, and opportunities. How can I say that I am equal if I am being denied educational opportunities because of the financial circumstances I was born into? You could argue that a child does not have to go to public school. However, in light of our nation’s economic standing, the majority of families in America do not have the money to send their children to private institutions, including my family. If we cannot provide children with equal educational opportunities, than those denied an adequate education are being set up to fail. Children attending underfunded public schools are being denied their constitutional right to a fair education and this is setting them back for the rest of their lives. It does not end when they graduate. Education is invaluable. Approximately 9 out of every 10 children in America attend public schools. Numerous public school districts -- some in America’s largest cities -- are being denied funding across the country. As a result, every child being “educated” in these districts is suffering and being held back because of circumstances that are out of their hands.The lack of public education funding in America will hurt the future of the nation.