The governor of North Carolina has declared a “state of emergency” in an attempt to thwart a school choice bill in the state’s legislature.
Governor Roy cooper claimed that public education is just as important as other emergency situations and that the republican controlled legislature is attempting to destroy public education. He stated that a state of emergency is necessary to raise awareness of the issue and encourage action to be taken to prevent long-term damage to schools. The move has been met with criticism on social media, with some calling it an overreach of government power. The governor’s announcement comes as the state’s legislature is considering a bill that would provide greater school choice options for families. The bill would give parents more control over their children’s education by allowing them to choose alternative education options, including private schools, homeschooling, and charter schools.
Governor Roy Cooper is facing intense scrutiny after recent events have rendered his veto overruled. This follows the defection of one Democratic lawmaker, which has granted the Republican party a supermajority in North Carolina and made it likely that school choice will be approved.
It has been revealed that Cooper sent at least one of his three daughters to Saint Mary’s School, a private school in Raleigh. The Episcopal institution charges tuition ranges between $32,550 and $62,850 per year for full room and board students, according to information on the school’s website.
The legislation is supported by many parents and educators who feel that public education is failing them. However, governor Cooper and other critics argue that school choice would divert funding away from public schools, creating more inequality in education.
