Senate HELP Committee Hearing on School Choice
On Wednesday, as part of School Choice Week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee held a hearing titled "Empowering Families Through Educational Choice in America." Witnesses included Cris Gulacy-Worrel, Vice President, Oakmont Education; John F. Kirtley, Chairman, Step Up for Students; and Marisol Garcia, President, Arizona Education Association. Committee members and witnesses discussed the advantages and concerns surrounding school choice, namely private school choice. Proponents contended that a more competitive and varied education landscape could better serve students' individual needs. Opponents warned that voucher programs may siphon resources from traditional public schools and can enable discriminatory practices, particularly against students with disabilities.
Private schools are not obligated to admit or support students with disabilities, and may discipline or expel them for disability-related reasons. Parents often do not realize they are waiving their rights afforded under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act when enrolling their child in a private school. Senators pressed panelists on whether schools receiving public funds through vouchers should be required to meet the same nondiscrimination standards as public schools, including the requirement to serve students with disabilities.
Despite differing perspectives on school choice, participants broadly agreed on the importance of empowering families, investing in educators, and ensuring education policies do not compound existing inequities.