Principles for a Strong Public Education
Public funds should support public education
While families who select religious or private schools for their children should be supported, public funds must not be directly or indirectly diverted to non-public elementary or secondary schools, including the use of tax deductions, tax credits, vouchers and direct appropriations.
To be truly committed to quality public education, our communities must provide fair pay and benefits to qualified teachers, state-of-the-art equipment, updated facilities and continuing dialogue with those involved in education administration and teaching.
Religious freedom protected
Separation of religion and government upheld
Personal prayer and studying the tenets of one’s religion are rights that we strenuously guard. School-sponsored prayer or the posting of any religious tenet in a public school must be prohibited. Such actions endanger the integrity of public education and the sanctity of religion.
Age-appropriate curriculum from a global perspective, including information from varying cultures and from the viewpoint of both men and women, must be taught.
The possible origins of the universe must be taught in a manner consistent with rigorous scientific standards and without prejudice toward any philosophical or religious view.
Public education must work with parents and the community to ensure the physical and emotional health of today’s students and tomorrow’s citizens by providing age-appropriate, comprehensive sexuality education which teaches about the benefits of abstinence and also how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Equality & respect encouraged
Discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical and mental ability, religion, pregnancy or national origin must be prohibited. Employment and student equity policies in public schools are necessary in order for the rights of all members of the school community to be protected.
All children have the right to learn in an environment where they feel safe and respected. The state mandated law requiring each school district to develop a plan to reduce bullying and harassment must be universally implemented. Training of administrators, faculty and students must be provided to have a safe environment for all students.
Public education must provide the necessary tools through adequate funding of English Language Learner (ELL) programs for immigrant students to succeed.
