Education
In the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. the Board of Education
decision of 1954, Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote, "Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments.... It is required in the performance of our most basic public responsibilities, even service in the armed forces. It is the very foundation of good citizenship.... Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms."
Everyone says they agree with the late jurist. Education is important. However, we have no framework within which education is advanced, presented, and protected. This is NOT one side of a debate about vouchers, charter schools or tax breaks. I am advancing a framework of equal high quality, which encompasses all of that. We must establish a framework for improving education in the United States. A constitutional amendment establishes a framework. The First Amendment established a framework for free speech. It doesn’t say we must all have CBS, CNN, a hip-hop and smooth jazz radio station, a cell phone, fax machine and e-mail. It just makes it clear that you have the right to share and receive information. However, it also gives us a framework for the limits of that right — you can't shout “fire!” in a crowded theater.
The Brown decision ruled that "separate but equal" was unconstitutional, and set forth the concept of "equal protection under the law." What was the goal of the Civil Rights Movement that sprang up after Brown? Equal protection under the law ‐ for every American. And they succeeded ... The Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act and Affirmative Action. The Civil Rights Movement made sure Congress had the power to uphold what was in the Constitution. Only Congress — our central legislative body — can cut across the 50 states, more than three thousand counties, and tens of thousands of cities. But Congress cannot do it without instruction from the people in the form of an amendment.
There are many educational programs and organizations dedicated to educational excellence. I strongly support many of them. But I am a firm believer in the need to set a framework within which all future educational programs must fit. This is the logical evolution of our struggle, not simply partisan politics and programs. Our nation can do better. Our children deserve better.
Press releases:
- July 11, 2007: Congressman Jackson Votes For Single Largest Investment In College Aid Since GI Bill
- May 23, 2006: A Public/Private Partnership For Public Education! Why Not A Public/Private Partnership For Jobs?
- August 2, 2004: Jackson's Fight For Magnet Schools Helps CPS
- July 25, 2003: Leaving More Children Behind?
- June 23, 2003: Affirmative Action OK to Offset Negative Action
- May 15, 2003: Education: Separate and Unequal in the 21st Century
Perfect Union:
- September 15, 2005: Johathan Kozol on Education
- May 23, 2005: Columbia College Chicago
- June 14, 2004: Dorothy Height — Part I
- June 14, 2004: Dorothy Height — Part II
- April 26, 2004: Brown Decision at 50
- July 21, 2003: Race in the 21st Century
- Nay 13, 2003: Education Amendment
Additional material:
- Right to A Public Education of Equal High Quality Amendment
- May 12, 2008: Harvey School District 152 Receives Education Funding
- May 8, 2008: Salem Youngsters On Capitol Hill
- Mar. 13, 2008: Young leader visits Washington office
- Oct. 17, 2007: Congressman Jackson welcomes award-winning Principal Thomas Sedor and his wife, Cynthia, to Capitol Hill
- Aug. 25, 2005: Jackson Meets Chicago Teachers Union Officials
- Sep. 1, 2003: Every Child Deserves the Right to an Education of Equal High Quality
- May 15, 2003: Brown v. Board Anniversary
Education services for the people of the Second District:
- Applications for U.S. Service Academies
- An Artistic Discovery - High School Art Competition
- Student Financial Aid
