Jennifer Pippin, a local parent and chair of the Moms for Liberty chapter, challenged the book, and the school board voted 3-2 to remove it. The reason? The book allegedly teaches "rebellion of school-board authority." Given the reality that this school board made this decision, it seems that teaching rebellion against this type of action should be the focus of the next mandated "high-quality instructional materials."
Alan Gratz, the author, perfectly captured the absurdity, noting, “They banned the book because it talks about the books that they have banned and because it talks about book banning.” You can’t make this stuff up.
So, here we are, living in a world where banning books about book bans is a reality. It would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. Good grief, Florida. Can we please stop proving the point of these books so spectacularly?
To all the parents, educators, and students out there: Keep reading. Keep questioning. And "Moms" can you please ban reading the BustEDpencils Blog and listening to BustEDpencils radio. I need the "bad" press!
As the article vividly outlines, the implications of Project 2025 echo the historical maneuverings of fascism, aiming to uproot the very foundations of democratic governance by subverting state institutions and remolding them into conduits for autocratic rule. It’s a blueprint designed not merely to alter, but to entirely usurp the democratic ethos with an iron fist cloaked in the veneer of populist rhetoric.
At the heart of this looming storm is our education system, an often understated yet quintessential arena of ideological contestation. Public schools, with their commitment to inclusive education and community enrichment, are anathema to the philosophies underpinning Project 2025. These institutions are the training grounds for the next generation, cultivating critical thinking, democratic engagement, and a shared sense of civic responsibility—elements diametrically opposed to the authoritarian drift.
Yet, it is precisely because of their pivotal role that public schools find themselves in the crosshairs. The manifesto of autocracy requires the suppression of dissent and the molding of conformity. Public schools, with their diverse and dynamic educational ecosystems, promote a worldview that threatens the monolithic, controlled narrative desired by autocrats.
In response to this existential threat, merely advocating for public education is no longer sufficient. As advocates and defenders of public education, we must elevate our approach. We must articulate the dangers with a clarity and urgency that pierces through the noise of political rhetoric. It’s not just about safeguarding institutions but preserving the very cradle of democracy.
We need a concerted effort to expose how public education is being systematically targeted for its power to foster a discerning and free-thinking citizenry. This means not only defending against budget cuts or policy shifts but also proactively campaigning to illustrate the broader societal implications of such attacks. Public education isn’t just a line item in a budget—it’s the bedrock of our democracy.
Moreover, as we draw nearer to pivotal electoral moments, the role of public education as a defender against authoritarian encroachments must be a central theme. This isn’t just policy—it’s survival. We need to mobilize, to bring this message to every town hall, every legislative session, and every ballot box. We must build alliances that transcend traditional political boundaries, forging a coalition dedicated to the preservation of public education as a public good that benefits all.
In facing the shadow of Project 2025, let's remember: the fight for public schools is fundamentally a fight for the soul of our nation. It’s a battle against the forces that seek to divide and diminish us, and a stand for the values that unite and uplift us.
Let’s ensure that public schools remain resilient beacons of democracy, not casualties of authoritarian ambition.
Diane Ravitch writes, “One person who takes credit for the rapid advance of vouchers, which send public dollars to private and religious schools, is named Corey DeAngelis. You probably never heard of him. He works for Betsy DeVos. He hates public schools…”
Carol Burris writes, “Corey DeAngelis works for Betsy DeVos’s American Federation for Children, which pays him to travel the country hawking ESA vouchers. He directs its PAC to destroy candidates who oppose vouchers.”
DeAngelis is the poster boy for the DeVos brigade. He sells the snake oil of ESA vouchers and directs PACs to torpedo anyone who dares to stand against them. His mission? To dismantle the public education system as we know it. This isn't just about one man; it's about a systemic push to reshape the educational landscape into a marketplace where public funding — our taxes — is siphoned away from our public schools and into private pockets.
And what’s our current response? A storm of blog posts, a flurry of op-eds, and heated discussions that, frankly, often echo back to us without reaching the ears of those still swayed by the hollow promises of 'school choice.'
Our opposition is not just posting their thoughts; they're enacting policies, influencing elections, and reshaping public opinion with a narrative crafted in boardrooms rather than classrooms.
Remember the Save Our Schools March in 2011?
We need that energy back. We need to stop just cataloging our defeats and start planning our comeback. This isn’t about just holding the line anymore; it’s about pushing forward, about being as bold and relentless as those who seek to undo the work we believe in.
So, where do we go from here? It starts with recognizing that we can’t just defend; we need to attack — not with invective or vitriol, but with a clear, compelling alternative vision for what education in America can be. We need a new strategy, one that includes education but extends to electoral influence, policy making, and above all, engaging directly with the communities most affected by these policies.
The upcoming elections in 2024? They're not just another box to check. They are a referendum on the future of education in America. This is our call to arms. Let’s mobilize, not just in protest but at the polls. Let’s build coalitions that stretch across the political spectrum because the fight for public education is the fight for democracy.
We need to reignite our grassroots spirit with a modern twist — think digital campaigns, think strategic partnerships, think about how to outmaneuver those who’ve been outplaying us on the political field. But all this needs funding, substantial funding. No more patting on the back with ‘Good Job.’ Those who can afford to, must step up now more than ever. It’s time to fund this fight like we truly intend to win it, not just participate.
We’ve got a history of fighting the good fight — now let’s make sure we’ve got a future where we can celebrate the victories, not just lament the losses. Let’s get to work, not just because we can, but because we must.
