U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) both kicked off the first day of National School Choice Week by championing the "freedom" of parents to choose their children's educational destiny.
School choice has become a national talking point on both sides of the political aisle. On the right, many parents feel schools are indoctrinating their children with inappropriate content and want the state to butt out of education. Meanwhile, those on the left worry about a lack of funding for public schools should parents choose alternative education models.
For the last three years in Alabama, lawmakers have discussed offering state education money to parents to use in non-public schools or public schools outside traditional zoning requirements. The issue is already slated to reappear in the state's upcoming legislative session.
To highlight the need for continued school choice, many supporters across the nation commemorate National School Week to draw attention to the issues they believe must be addressed to fix the education system in America.
In social media posts, Britt and Tuberville announced their celebration of National School Choice Week, expressing a desire to see educational choices left up to individual families.
"There is nothing more powerful than a quality education," Britt said. "It's the key to unlocking the American dream. It is the pathway out of poverty. And it can help ensure that every single child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their zip code. That's why National School Choice Week is so important and why I am proud to join families across America in celebrating this week.
"School choice means educational freedom. It empowers families to make important decisions that help their children grow, achieve and secure a bright future. Every student and every family's situation is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what works best for every student's education," she continued.
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