Clinton and Sanders Debate Education
By Anthony Cody.
Last night at the Democratic presidential debate, attention turned to K12 education. Both candidates addressed two questions. The first came from a Detroit parent. Here is the transcript (thank you to the New York Times):
COOPER: I want to bring in Shoniqua Kemp. She’s right here — Ms. Kemp. Her 14-year-old daughter Imani is a student in Detroit. Shoniqua is one of ten parents suing Detroit public schools — not for money, she says, but to improve conditions.She says she’s currently leaning towards Senator Sanders. Her question will go to both of you, but we’ll start with Senator Sanders. Ms. Kemp?QUESTION: Thank you. Speaking of opportunities for success, in Detroit, schools open and close with no accountability to — or transparency to the communities that it — they service. Not only that — in our schools, as you’ve stated, we have issues with rats, mold, no working water fountains, not to mention non- certified teachers, lack of accountability around transportation and special education, and so much more. With that said, our students can no longer suffer due to lack of these things, or having these dilapidated issues take place. So, my question is who’s going to step up? Who’s going to ensure that the policies procedures are put in place that will ensure, and bring forth a successful future for our students because my daughter cannot wait eight more years for success to take place at your hands. At the leader’s hands.COOPER: Senator Sanders, let’s start with you.SANDERS: Well, thank you very much for not being resigned to that horrendous situation, but being prepared to stand up and fight back…QUESTION: … Thank you…(APPLAUSE)SANDERS: … That’s what we need all over this country.And, let me be very honest with you, hard thing to say, but it is true. A great nation is judged not by how many millionaires and billionaires it has, but by how it treatsClinton and Sanders Debate Education - Living in Dialogue:
