Dear FCCS Family,
A new survey by FCCS shows Black and Latino swing state voters sounding the alarm: they want lawmakers to offer families more public school options and say zip codes should not determine where children can attend school. These voters’ education experiences tell them the current K-12 public education system is not meeting their needs and public schools are failing kids of color.
These insights reflect the need for urgent action to improve the quality of K-12 education for Black and Latino students. The survey reveals several key points that are essential for lawmakers to consider:
Trust on Education:
While a majority (57%) of Black and Latino swing state voters trust Democrats more on the issue of education, over two-thirds feel that Congressional Democrats are not sufficiently focused on improving K-12 schools.
Quality of U.S. Education:
Two-thirds of these voters believe that public schools are failing children of color, with most respondents indicating that graduates are not adequately prepared for college or the workforce.
Racism in Schools:
Voters believe Black and Latino children experience racism in public schools (73%). Less than half of voters believe the public education system gives parents of color as much input and respect as white parents.
Commitment to Public Schools:
Despite these challenges, these communities are not ready to give up on public schools. Public schools, including charter schools, remain a priority because they are free, accessible to all, and positively impact students of color.
We are calling on Congress to prioritize solutions that address the education crisis that disproportionately impacts Black and Latino communities. FCCS is ready to collaborate with elected leaders to bring the following policy roadmap offered by voters to reality.
After President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 Presidential Election and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, it’s time to shift to an authentic debate on the issues that matter to the everyday lives of American families. Now more than ever, elected leaders and candidates must listen to Black and Latino voters. Voters are calling on them to elevate education as a national priority, and take steps to prioritize the future of our children. We’re making the issues that matter most loud and clear.
The New Niagra Speaking Tour presented by FCCS and Energy Convertors, LLC and co-hosted by Dr. Charles Cole IIIis a series of transformative community discussions to convene, reflect, and enhance lived experiences that represent the current and future state of Black education in five key cities across the country. Notable participants include Sharif El-Mekki of the Center for Black Male Educator Development and Chris Stewart of Brightbeam. This month we headed to Atlanta for the latest city convening in our series. Together, we will elevate tangible strategies to ensure quality school options and resources are available for Black families and mobilize community-wide advocacy on this issue!
These convenings and our Summer Listening Tour with our FCCS Affiliates and Partners in Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia will help inform our 2025 Policy Agenda.
True democracy requires that all citizens have the freedom to pursue the best future for their children, starting with access to diverse educational opportunities. Ensuring that Black and Latino families can exercise this right is crucial for self-determination.
FCCS began our fight for education at the presidential debates in 2019, and the fight continues. This election season, we need to stay the course, understand what’s at stake, and be actively engaged not only at the polls but also in holding elected officials accountable afterward.
In solidarity,
Jay
Jay Artis-Wright
Executive Director
FCCS