Editor, Commonwealth:
Public education is one of the greatest privileges in America, or is it?
In the state of Mississippi, for some receiving an education is unfortunately an obstacle. Recently, the citizens of Mississippi had the opportunity to stand up and demand a change within the educational system. That change was sought through Initiative 42. However, the initiative failed on the recent election ballot.
I feel this happened for various reasons. Not everyone is aware that there are flaws within the public education system in Mississippi. Many are absolutely oblivious to the stats that rank us dead last in national student achievement.
If we are to create more jobs and provide more positive economic flow, we must value what we are teaching children and strive to provide them with all of the necessary resources they need to excel. Learning in a clean and safe environment should not be too much to ask for. Securing reliable transportation should not be a concern for parents who can’t take and pick up their kids from school every day. Nevertheless, we have these problems, but the Legislature doesn’t seem to care.
Initiative 42 would have contributed to education in Mississippi tremendously by setting standards for our children, giving school districts the money they need to enhance the learning environment, and providing resources, such as books and other equipment, that are acceptable for use.
Many Republicans were against the initiative because it would’ve shifted the hand of power from the Legislature to the courts. Our state’s governor stated in The Clarion- Ledger that the amendment would be “the largest transfer of political power” in our state’s history.
If a transfer of power is what is needed to give the children of Mississippi a chance to learn, gain a competitive edge and succeed, then transfer it!
Courtney Barnes
Senior Social Work Major
Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena
