HomeschoolrsRUs
06-13-2005, 01:06 PM
Separating school and state
Jeff Jacoby
June 13, 2005
[ SNIP, SNIP ]
Once there was a solid consensus about how the nation's public schools should be run. In 1911, the Encyclopedia Britannica could assert with confidence that "the great mass of the American people are in entire agreement as to the principles which should control public education." But as the battles in Kansas, Massachusetts, and Tennessee -- and countless others like them -- make clear, that day is past.
From issues of sexuality and religion to the broad themes of US history and politics, public opinion is fractured. Secular parents square off against believers, supporters of homosexual marriage against traditionalists, those stressing "safe sex" against those who emphasize abstinence. Each wants its views reflected in the classroom. No longer is there a common understanding of the mission of public education. To the extent that one camp's vision prevails, parents in the opposing camp are embittered. And there is no prospect that this will change -- not as long as the government remains in charge of educating American children.
Which is why it's time to put an end to government control of the schools.
The rest of this article found here: Jeff Jacoby: Separating school and state (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/jeffjacoby/jj20050613.shtml)
Jeff Jacoby
June 13, 2005
[ SNIP, SNIP ]
Once there was a solid consensus about how the nation's public schools should be run. In 1911, the Encyclopedia Britannica could assert with confidence that "the great mass of the American people are in entire agreement as to the principles which should control public education." But as the battles in Kansas, Massachusetts, and Tennessee -- and countless others like them -- make clear, that day is past.
From issues of sexuality and religion to the broad themes of US history and politics, public opinion is fractured. Secular parents square off against believers, supporters of homosexual marriage against traditionalists, those stressing "safe sex" against those who emphasize abstinence. Each wants its views reflected in the classroom. No longer is there a common understanding of the mission of public education. To the extent that one camp's vision prevails, parents in the opposing camp are embittered. And there is no prospect that this will change -- not as long as the government remains in charge of educating American children.
Which is why it's time to put an end to government control of the schools.
The rest of this article found here: Jeff Jacoby: Separating school and state (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/jeffjacoby/jj20050613.shtml)