School Choice ... The Truth About Teachers Unions, Choice and Poor Students

Teachers Unions vs. Black Kids describes the situation with Louisiana's new school choice law and the teachers unions' opposition thereto.

The Louisiana case is just one example of what could happen in virtually any large American city:

"Earlier this year, Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana signed into law an expanded school choice program for underprivileged kids. Naturally, the teachers unions are suing to block it. . . .

The program provides scholarships to poor families with children in failing schools. Last year, 36% of the state's public schools received a D or F ranking, according to the Louisiana Department of Education. Some 5,000 kids are participating in the program and many are black, which is why the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) is defending the law.

"There is no greater injustice than to tell children that they don't deserve a chance at the best possible education because their family can't afford it," said Kenneth Campbell of BAEO in press release from the Institute for Justice, which represents families using the program. "No one should be treated any less or be prevented from gaining access to high quality educational options based on their income or zip code."

The teachers unions claim to be taking issue with how the program is funded. The reality is that they oppose its existence. The top priority of the unions is their members, not whether children are receiving a quality education. Denying school choice to people who can't afford private schools or to move to a neighborhood with better public schools is a way for unions to ensure that their members have jobs."

Summing Up

And so it goes.

Unions have way too much power and way too little scrutiny and oversight.

They're harmful to our nation's well being and to our children's as well.

And in favor of individualism and maximum opportunity they're not.

That's my take.

Thanks. Bob.