American Children--and American Principles--Left Behind

America is the land of opportunity. (Equal opportunity.) It’s a country where anyone—regardless of race, gender, or class—who is willing to work hard enough can achieve his or her dreams: In America, the daughter of a New York City hotdog vendor has the opportunity to become the President of the United States.

It is the fundamental American belief that all men are created equal that underlies this principle of equal opportunity. That persistence, diligence, and good old-fashioned hard work can earn anyone unlimited success and social mobility—this is one of the American ideals that lured immigrants from all over the world to the teeming shores of America. Formed initially to teach English to the children of these immigrants (our forbearers), public schools are responsible for taking American children—however diverse—and preparing them for life as dutiful citizens. Public schools have always been a great equalizer in our melting pot of a country.

Recognizing the fact that public schools are the cornerstone of the American principle of equal opportunity, it becomes clear that any infringement upon (or shirking of responsibilities toward) public schools is a direct infringement upon American principles. Upholding the principles upon which this country was founded is a primary responsibility of the federal government.

Hiding a number of sins behind a carefully-framed, benevolent-sounding name, The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which President Bush signed into law January 8, 2002, is an affront to the federal government’s responsibility toward public schools. Discriminating against schools is no different than discriminating against people; punishing a failing school is no different, and no more effective, than punishing a failing student; refusing to fund struggling schools is, in essence, refusing students their fundamental right as American citizens to equal opportunity.

In order for all American men and women to continue to be equals—and to continue to have equal opportunities to their right to pursue their own particular versions of happiness—it is essential that America’s public schools be equally attended to by a responsible federal government that’s dedicated to preserving the principles upon which this country was founded.

In the wake of the federal disregard for public education labeled No Child Left Behind, America’s public schools are no longer able to function as this country‘s founders had intended—they are no longer providing equal opportunities to American children. So, how do each of the presidential candidates plan to strengthen neglected public schools (in order that American children and American principles do not continue to be left behind)?