What’s really behind the attacks on public schools

 What’s really behind the attacks on public schools

• Mariel Montero, AU 

  www.au.org

  From:americansunited@au.org

  To:Mark M Giese

  Wed, Feb 25 2026 at 9:32 AM

  Dear Mark, This week across the country we celebrate Public Schools Week! I’m Mariel Montero, Public Policy Coordinator here at AU. As a product of public education, I can’t think of a better time to celebrate our public schools and recommit to protecting an institution that strives to make secular education accessible for all children. So during Public Schools Week, it’s important that we take a step back and look at what propels the movement to destabilize public education.  In a nutshell, the movement is driven by two forces: Christian Nationalist organizations that oppose public schools because they can't impose their narrow version of Christianity on students, and billionaire-backed free-market groups that want to cash in by privatizing education.  Just this month, the U.S. Department of Education released updated prayer guidance that says teachers can pray with students, which is unconstitutional. It misrepresents and downplays key Supreme Court cases that make it clear that public school officials cannot pray with students, just as they cannot pressure students to pray. Religious freedom means students and their parents – not politicians or public school officials – get to decide whether and how to engage with religion. Americans still support public education, and they vote against private school vouchers whenever they’re given the opportunity. But as we’ve seen in other contexts recently, a barrage of lies repeated over and over again at loud volume can have an effect. That’s why we have to remind Americans repeatedly of what is at stake if the unholy alliance of billionaires and Christian Nationalists succeeds in destabilizing public education.  Here are just four things we'll lose: 🤝 A public school system that welcomes everyone Public schools serve all students, regardless of race, national origin, religion, family income, gender identity, or disability. A patchwork of private schools cannot provide that level of access or support, and many private schools discriminate against students, families, and staff. ⚖️ A public school system that is secular and inclusive Students are free to practice their faith in public schools, but schools themselves do not promote religion. Many private schools are religiously affiliated, require worship, and teach doctrine as fact. Tax dollars should not fund religious indoctrination. 🎓 A public school system staffed by professionals Public schools rely on trained educators who serve 90 percent of America’s children. Private schools are not held to the same standards and can prioritize ideology over sound education. 🌱 A public school system rooted in community Public schools are the building blocks of our diverse communities. They are governed by elected local boards and often serve as community hubs. Private schools are not accountable to the public and are not required to reflect community needs. There are many other reasons to support public schools this week and every week. Our public schools are under assault. They need to hear your voice. Lift it up! This Public Schools Week, one way you can speak out is by reporting a violation to Americans United if you see church-state separation violated in your community. In solidarity, Mariel Montero Public Policy Coordinator