Blogging the Blob

The Center for Education Reform sent out a special school choice update today that included a collection of negative responses from the public school establishment and others.

BLOB and OPPOSITION RESPONSE: When you throw open the doors to change, you can generally expect those in the entrenched positions to react negatively. We were not disappointed. Below is just a smattering of responses from the BLOB and their attendant supporters. (We never cease to be amazed by the lack of respect they give parents while revering a system that is continually failing our children.)

"The National Education Association pledges to ...oppose divisive and counterproductive proposals to divert energy, attention, and resources to private school tuition vouchers." We will continue to fight in allegiance with the vast majority of American parents who want good schools in their communities."

Bob Chase, President of the National Education Association

"Vouchers are bad education policy. Our nation's commitment to public education is longstanding, built upon the principle of open and equal access for all our children. This means these schools--just as public schools are--must be open to all students. They must comply with civil rights laws that protect against discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, gender or national origin.... These schools must meet the same standards required of public schools and report to the public about student achievement, graduation rates and teacher qualifications."

Sandra Feldman, President of American Federation of Teachers

"Vouchers divert funds from public schools that are already inadequately funded ... We will continue to fight voucher programs and advocate for programs that improve education for all children."

Shirley Igo, National PTA President

"A legal ruling will not persuade parents, community leaders and elected officials to change their minds about opposing the use of public money in private schools."

Julie Underwood, National School Board Association General Counsel

"[T]odays's ruling is very disappointing and could prove to be quite damaging to America's public and private education system in years to come--vouchers may hurt both public and private schools."

Dr. Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director, National Association of Secondary School Principals

"Private school vouchers may pass constitutional muster, but they fail the test when it comes to improving our nation's public schools....It's flat wrong to take scarce taxpayer dollars away from public schools and divert them to private schools."

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts

"Despite what advocates of vouchers may say, we cannot rescue troubled public schools by providing a way for students to abandon public schools."

Chris Link, Executive Director of the ACLU

"This decision represents a serious crack in the constitutional wall between church and state....Cleveland and other urban school systems are in tough financial straits. Giving this voucher program a 'green light' only makes that situation worse."

Ralph G. Neas, President of People for the American Way

"The Supreme Court thinks it's all right to force taxpayers to put their money in the coffers of religious schools....America. watch your wallet or it may end up in the collection plate."

Rev. Barry W. Lynn. Executive Director of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State

All the usual suspects. I'm trying not to gloat, but it's good to see them all on the defensive.