It’s hard to believe the school in this NPR story is a reality. Families described extreme temperatures in the school depending on the season, a book collection that only consists of a few decade old books, and not enough desks for students. It was said that at times, 3 to 4 classes would be sent to the gym together to be babysat rather than taught academic content. Other common stories included general and special education classes merging without adequate aids or support. One student even likened his high school experience to “prison or daycare.” He also said that it was common to not have quality drinking water or bathroom facilities.
How is this possible when the school district’s per pupil spending is one of the highest in the state at $15,891 (Michigan’s average is around $12K a year)? No parent would want to send a child to a situation like this one, and yet, in the US, families have to do it every day. With strict truancy laws and no way to afford other options, many families must keep sending their children to schools like this.
But Andrea Thompson had had enough. As a college counselor, educator, and parent herself, she and 6 other parents decided it was time to sue the state. Thompson and others also noticed that Darnell Earley was the emergency manager of Detroit public schools. He was the same emergency manager over the Flint water crisis at the time.
According to NPR, “...seven families sued Michigan, claiming that the state failed to provide Detroit students with the most fundamental of skills — the ability to read." Then, in May of 2020, a federal appeals court ruled in their favor. Schoolchildren have a right to a basic minimum education. It was the first time a court has ruled that the ability to read is a right.
But if reading is a right, what about other students who feel like their rights are being dismissed? Every family should not have to sue the state to get an opportunity to learn to read. Instead of suing, families should be able to leave broken school systems without fear of punishment. As Andrea Thompson said it, “it’s just unfortunate that in America, zip codes matter when it comes to an education — and it shouldn’t.” Let's disentangle our school systems from the faulty district lines that affect our school quality. Don’t know what we’re talking about? Check it out here.