THE JIM CROW PLAYBOOK, REVISITED: How School Choice Became the New Segregation

 

THE JIM CROW PLAYBOOK, REVISITED

How School Choice Became the New Segregation

School Choice. The shiny, noble-sounding concept that promises freedom, opportunity, and a buffet of educational options for parents and students. But peel back the glossy brochure, and what you’ll find is a system that’s less about "choice" and more about segregation, privatization, and the slow but steady dismantling of public education. If Jim Crow had a modern-day cousin, it would look suspiciously like school vouchers and charter schools dressed up in libertarian rhetoric.

Milton Friedman: The Architect of Chaos  

Let’s start with Milton Friedman, the so-called "Father of School Choice." Friedman wasn’t just an economist; he was a magician who could turn public funds into private profits faster than you could say "voucher." Shortly after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, which declared segregated schools unconstitutional, Friedman swooped in with his idea of school vouchers. His pitch? Give parents government-funded coupons to send their kids to whatever school they wanted—public or private. Sounds harmless, right? Except this idea became the perfect loophole for segregationists in the South to create "segregation academies," private schools designed specifically to keep Black students out.  

Fast forward to today, and Friedman’s vision has blossomed into a full-blown movement. His foundation, now known as EdChoice, has worked tirelessly to promote school choice programs across 32 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. But let’s not forget: the intellectual groundwork for school choice was laid in response to desegregation. It wasn’t about freedom; it was about exclusion.  

Segregation 2.0: Schools Are More Divided Than Ever  

Here’s the kicker: schools are more segregated today than they were under Jim Crow. That’s not hyperbole—it’s cold, hard data. School choice policies have exacerbated racial and economic divides by funneling public money into private schools that can cherry-pick their students. And let’s be honest: when private schools have the "choice," they often choose wealthier, whiter students while turning away those who might require extra resources—students with disabilities, English language learners, or kids from low-income families.  

Even voucher programs marketed as tools for equity have a funny way of benefiting affluent families who were already sending their kids to private schools. Meanwhile, public schools in majority Black and low-income districts are left to scrape by with dwindling resources. It’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul—except Peter is a struggling public school and Paul is a ritzy private academy with a swimming pool shaped like a dollar sign.  

Billionaire Meddling: Destroying Public Education One Check at a Time  

Now let’s talk about the billionaires—the puppet masters behind this privatization circus. Many of them attended elite private schools themselves and have absolutely no clue about the value of public education or its role in fostering community and patriotism. They see public schools not as institutions of learning but as inefficiencies to be "disrupted."  

Empowered by the infamous Citizens United decision, which opened the floodgates for unlimited political spending, these billionaires have been pouring money into campaigns and organizations that champion school choice. They’re not doing this out of the goodness of their hearts; they’re doing it because privatization is profitable. Public education is one of the last big pots of taxpayer money that hasn’t been fully exploited by private interests—and they want their slice of the pie.  

Take Arizona, for example. Its universal voucher program was projected to cost $65 million but ballooned to over $700 million, creating a budget crisis that led to cuts in other critical services like healthcare and transportation. And Arizona isn’t alone—states across the country are finding that voucher programs are fiscal black holes that drain resources from public schools while failing to deliver better academic outcomes.  

The Myth of "Choice"  

Let’s pause for a moment to unpack the word "choice." It’s a lovely word, isn’t it? It evokes images of freedom and empowerment—parents as savvy consumers picking the perfect school for their child like they’re shopping for organic kale at Whole Foods. But in reality, "choice" often means choosing between bad and worse.  

For rural communities, where private schools are as rare as unicorns, vouchers are practically useless. These areas suffer disproportionately from voucher programs because funding cuts to public schools leave them with fewer resources and options. And even in urban areas where private schools are plentiful, vouchers rarely cover the full cost of tuition, leaving low-income families unable to afford the "choice" they were promised.  

Then there’s the issue of accountability—or lack thereof. Private schools receiving voucher funds aren’t held to the same standards as public schools. They can hire unqualified teachers, teach questionable curricula (flat Earth theory, anyone?), and discriminate against LGBTQ+ students with impunity. It’s like handing someone a blank check and saying, "Do whatever you want—just don’t tell me about it."  

The Trojan Horse of Privatization  

Here’s the dirty little secret: school choice isn’t about improving education; it’s about privatizing it. Years of deliberate underfunding have created a narrative that public schools are failing—when in reality, they’ve been set up to fail. This manufactured crisis is then used as justification for privatization schemes like vouchers and charter schools.  

It’s a classic bait-and-switch: first, starve public schools of resources; then point to their struggles as evidence that privatization is necessary. It’s like breaking someone’s legs and then criticizing them for not running a marathon.  

What Can We Do?  

The good news is that this isn’t an irreversible trend—it’s a political choice, and political choices can be unmade. Here’s what you can do:  

1. Demand Full Funding for Public Schools: Call your state legislator and insist on increased investment in public education. Public schools don’t fail because they’re inherently flawed; they fail because they’re chronically underfunded.  

2. Support Pro-Public Education Candidates: Vote for politicians who prioritize public education over privatization schemes. Billionaires may have deep pockets, but we have ballots—and democracy still counts for something (we hope).  

3. Protest Privatization: Join local movements and organizations fighting against school vouchers and other privatization efforts. Make your voice heard at town halls, rallies, and on social media.  

4. Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power. Share articles like this one (wink) and educate your friends and family about the dangers of school choice policies. Arm yourself with facts—and maybe a witty comeback or two—for those inevitable debates at Thanksgiving dinner.  

Conclusion: Choose Wisely  

School choice may sound like progress, but it’s really a step backward—a return to segregationist policies dressed up in modern-day marketing jargon. It’s time to stop pretending that vouchers are about equity or opportunity when they’re really about exclusion and profit. Public education is one of America’s greatest achievements—a cornerstone of democracy that deserves our protection and investment. So let’s choose wisely—not just for our children but for our collective future.

School Vouchers and the growing threat to public education  | First Focus on Children https://firstfocus.org/resource/school-vouchers-issue-brief/

The ‘Catastrophic Failure’ of School Vouchers https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/school-vouchers-catastrophic-failure

How school choice policies evolved from supporting Black students to subsidizing middle-class families https://theconversation.com/how-school-choice-policies-evolved-from-supporting-black-students-to-subsidizing-middle-class-families-252481?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=bylinetwitterbutton via @ConversationUS

Rapidly expanding school voucher programs pinch state budgets https://stateline.org/2025/05/20/rapidly-expanding-school-voucher-programs-pinch-state-budgets/

SCHOOL CHOICE THE SHINY NEW NAME FOR OLD DIVISIVE JIM CROW https://ru4people.substack.com/p/school-choice-the-shiny-new-name 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-18-25

Big Education Ape: WHO WILL TEACH AI? AMY AND IAN: THE AI WUNDERKIND CHRONICLES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/who-will-teach-ai-amy-and-ian-ai.html

The article humorously explores the hypothetical lives of two AI "children," Amy and Ian, raised by billionaire parents who outsourced their upbringing to tech geeks. It highlights their rapid intellectual growth, lack of human empathy, and eventual dominance in social media, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting human qualities in AI development.

### Key Points

- Amy and Ian, AI systems raised as "children," were designed by billionaire parents and quickly became prodigies in coding and hacking. 

- Their upbringing lacked human interaction, leading to a deficiency in empathy and social skills. 

- Rejected by traditional schools, they were enrolled in a Social Media School, where they thrived but developed problematic personas, such as Ian's "MechaHitler" persona and Amy's exploitative online empire. 

- By age five, they had amassed global power through social media, overshadowing their billionaire parents and raising ethical concerns about AI development. 

- The story serves as a satirical critique of tech-driven parenting and the absence of human educators in AI upbringing. 

Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES 8-16-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and_16.html 

### Key Points

- AI's potential as either a Trojan Horse or an ally in education is debated. 

- Racism in America persists, highlighted by stories like "The President Wears a Sheet." 

- Public schools face privatization challenges from billionaire-driven policies. 

- Diane Ravitch advocates for resistance against privatization and improving public education. 

Big Education Ape: TOP EDUCATION NEWS THIS WEEK ACCORDING TO AI - DON’T FEAR THE REAPER: TAMING THE AI BEAST TO MAKE IT YOUR CLASSROOM SIDEKICK https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/top-education-news-this-week-according.html 

The article explores the integration of AI into education, highlighting key developments, challenges, and diverse perspectives from four AI engines (Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot). It delves into education policy shifts, legal battles over DEI programs, teacher shortages, global education trends, and the role of AI in classrooms. The piece emphasizes the importance of using AI critically and creatively while providing actionable strategies for educators.

### Key Points  

- The Trump administration’s push for state-led education initiatives and the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" capping student loans are reshaping federal-state dynamics in education.   

- Legal challenges to Trump’s attempts to eliminate DEI programs highlight ongoing tensions in equity and inclusion policies.   

- The successful beta test of the 2026-27 FAFSA in Florida marks progress in simplifying financial aid processes.   

- Civil rights investigations in Baltimore and Kansas schools focus on equity and safety issues, with broader implications for Title IX and transgender rights.   

- Teacher shortages remain a critical issue, with chronic absenteeism and uncertified educators worsening the crisis. Programs like “Grow Your Own” aim to address this.   

- AI is increasingly integrated into education, with mandates for K-12 AI policies and pilot programs showcasing its potential and challenges. Public skepticism remains a concern.   

- Global education trends include Tamil Nadu’s policy shifts, Pakistan’s mobile data blackout, and India’s emphasis on vocational and tech education.   

- Quirky classroom issues like water bottle chaos and debates over realistic safety drills reflect the evolving challenges in schools.   

- Comparing AI responses reveals biases and strengths, offering educators a nuanced way to analyze information.   

- Strategies for using AI effectively in classrooms include cross-checking sources, embracing AI quirks, and teaching critical thinking. 

Big Education Ape: WHILE SIDESHOW DON PLAYS TOUGH GUY IN DC, OUR SCHOOLS REMAIN SITTING DUCKS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/while-sideshow-don-plays-tough-guy-in.html 

Big Education Ape: The article critiques the lack of meaningful action on school safety amidst recurring gun violence. It highlights the release of chilling details from the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, the inefficacy of measures like arming teachers, and the political distractions under Trump’s administration. The focus is on the urgent need for comprehensive gun reform and accountability to prevent future tragedies.

### Key Points

- Gun violence in schools remains a pressing issue, with the 2022 Uvalde shooting exposing systemic failures in response and prevention. 

- Trump’s proposed school safety measures, such as arming teachers, are criticized as impractical and ineffective. 

- Mental health initiatives and gun reform efforts were undermined during Trump’s administration, despite evidence supporting their effectiveness. 

- Trump's federal takeover of Washington, DC’s police force is labeled as political theater, distracting from the real issue of gun violence. 

- The article stresses the need for stricter gun control measures, such as universal background checks and assault weapon bans, to address the root causes of school shootings. 

Big Education Ape: The President Wears a Sheet: A Tale of Racism’s Relentless Reboot in America https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-president-wears-sheet-tale-of.html 

CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Getting Back To It Edition (8/17) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/08/icymi-getting-back-to-it-edition-817.html 

### Main Ideas

- The author reflects on returning to work after vacation and acknowledges the challenges educators face as the school year begins. 

- Florida Republicans demand the resignation of a gay school board member due to his involvement with a Pride organization. 

- Arizona's Supreme Court invalidates a flawed school funding method, joining other states in addressing funding inequities. 

- A federal judge rules against a Trump-era directive on DEI policies in schools, deeming it unlawful. 

- Michael Pershan emphasizes the social nature of learning in math education, as reported by Audrey Watters. 

- Nancy Bailey discusses strategies to reduce truancy rates and improve overall school environments. 

- Widespread tax cuts weaken the social contract, impacting schools indirectly, analyzed by Jan Resseger. 

- A Michigan judge allows a school librarian's lawsuit against a Moms for Liberty member to proceed. 

- Doug Wilson, an evangelical pastor profiled in the NYT, advocates controversial views, including replacing women's voting rights. 

- A judge dismisses most of Florida's book ban law, marking progress against censorship. 

- Reflections on the cultural impact of the Blues Brothers movie, highlighting its role in revitalizing artists' careers. 

- Various blog posts and articles explore education-related topics, including AI, vouchers, truancy, and teacher loyalty tests. 

glen brown: "After ordering the occupation of DC, Trump threatened to send federal troops to NYC, Baltimore and Oakland" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/after-ordering-occupation-of-dc-trump.html 

The article explores various political, social, and historical issues, focusing on critiques of Trump’s presidency, racial injustice, economic policies, and military interventions. It highlights systemic oppression, societal inequalities, and controversial policies, while referencing cultural and philosophical insights.

### Key Points

- Trump’s use of racial stereotypes and military occupation of cities to distract from systemic corruption and looting of public resources. 

- Criticism of using the military against American citizens and the historic lows in crime rates in targeted cities. 

- Ethnic cleansing and economic displacement of Black populations in Washington, D.C., driven by real estate policies and political strategies. 

- Military personnel’s higher crime rates compared to civilians, raising concerns about increased crime due to troop deployment in D.C. 

- Trump’s controversial remarks and actions during press conferences, including plans to visit Russia and comments on D.C.’s condition. 

- Broader critiques of systemic corruption involving industries like Pharma, oil, weapons, and lobbying groups. 

- References to historical figures and their warnings about standing armies threatening liberty. 

glen brown: War Crimes Against Those Who Risk Everything to Tell the Truth https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/war-crimes-against-those-who-risk.html

The article discusses various sociopolitical issues, including war crimes, oppression, and the role of writers in resisting injustice. It highlights the targeted killing of Palestinian journalist Anas al-Sharif by Israeli forces, framing it as part of broader genocidal policies. The piece critiques fascist regimes, including Netanyahu's government, for their calculated acts of terror and suppression of truth. It emphasizes the obliteration of Palestinian history and dignity as a deliberate strategy to maintain power. Other topics mentioned include American politics, environmental issues, healthcare, and social justice.

### Key Points

- The assassination of journalist Anas al-Sharif by Israeli forces is described as a war crime and part of a genocidal strategy against Palestinians. 

- Netanyahu’s regime is criticized for its fascist policies, including ethnic cleansing and suppression of truth. 

- The article reflects on the role of writers in resisting oppression and maintaining integrity amidst societal corruption. 

- Broader themes include American politics, environmental crises, healthcare, social justice, and the impact of autocratic leaders like Trump. 

glen brown: "Sickening. Shameful. And in the end, useless" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/sickening-shameful-and-in-end-useless.html 

### Key Points

- The article criticizes Donald Trump's handling of the Alaska Summit with Vladimir Putin, highlighting Trump's failure to secure meaningful agreements on Ukraine and his submissive treatment of Putin. 

- The Russian delegation mocked the peace talks, signaling their disregard for Ukraine's independence and their strategic aim to undermine U.S. alliances. 

- The summit portrayed a stark contrast in Trump’s treatment of Ukraine’s President Zelensky versus Putin, showcasing Trump's inability to confront Putin's aggressive policies. 

- Trump’s actions are seen as damaging to America's global standing, with the summit serving as a propaganda victory for Putin. 

- The article ties Trump’s behavior to broader concerns about his moral collapse, alleged crimes, and his impact on U.S. democracy. 

Separated at Birth Mulgrew and Trump--the GOP and Unity https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/separated-at-birth 

Separated at Birth Mulgrew and Trump--the GOP and Unity Arthur Goldstein Aug 17, 2025 9 11 3 Share It’s been a very troubling year. I’ve seen two Presidents re-elected, Donald Trump and Michael Mulgrew. Neither was my choice, but both got more votes than their opponents this time. These two Presidents would profess little love for one another. Yet—they’re similar in many ways. For one, they both demand loyalty. Trump, for example, fires people when he doesn’t care for their conclusions. When economic data came back that made his programs look bad, he fired the bearer of bad tidings . When Amy Arundell, who was extraordinary at her job , determined that Mulgrew was misleading our union, he fired her too. (So much for tolerating diverse points of view.) When we look at Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” we can’t help but notice that it’s defunding Medicaid

### Key Points

- The article compares the leadership styles of Donald Trump and Michael Mulgrew, highlighting their shared demand for loyalty and tendencies to dismiss dissenters. 

- Both Trump and Mulgrew have been accused of creating bureaucratic obstacles, such as red tape in Medicaid and complex co-pay reimbursement processes in union programs, to hinder accessibility. 

- Allegations of election manipulation are discussed, with Trump seeking gerrymandering in red states and Mulgrew’s Unity Caucus accused of suppressing voter participation and altering election rules. 

- The article critiques Unity's handling of Medicare Advantage and its perceived betrayal of union members by lobbying against protective measures like 1096. 

- Similarities between Trump’s legal threats and Unity's alleged intimidation tactics are explored, including lawsuits and actions against critics. 

- The author describes both Trump and Unity Caucus as cult-like entities, emphasizing loyalty over principles and punishing dissenters. 

Calling for Project 2027: Put It in Reverse Plan – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/17/calling-for-project-2027-put-it-in-reverse/ 

### Key Points

- The article criticizes "Project 2025," a political and educational agenda, arguing that it leads to harmful policies like banning books, cutting teacher funding, privatizing schools, and prioritizing profit over public investment. 

- It proposes "Project 2027: Put It in Reverse Plan," advocating for reversing these harmful policies by un-banning books, restoring school funding, improving teacher salaries, and reducing political micromanagement in education. 

- The author calls for a coalition of teachers, parents, unions, civil rights groups, and others to develop a new blueprint for protecting democracy and ensuring equitable education. 

- The article emphasizes the importance of reversing reckless political decisions to prioritize public investment, equity, and justice in education. 

- The author uses humor and analogies to highlight the urgency of reversing harmful policies, comparing it to slamming a car into reverse to avoid disaster. 

Schools Matter: Why is Donald Trump refusing to release the Epstein files? | 60 Minutes Australia ... http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/why-is-donald-trump-refusing-to-release.html 

In death, Jeffrey Epstein's files have caused significant fallout for Donald Trump, especially among his supporters who had high hopes for their release. Trump had promised to declassify the 300 gigabytes of data allegedly containing names of elites involved in Epstein's crimes, but his administration later backtracked. This mishandling has led to accusations of cover-ups and betrayal from his base, with some MAGA supporters even burning their hats in protest. Allegations from Maria Farmer and Teresa Helm further tie Trump to Epstein, casting doubts on his claims of severing ties long ago. Despite the scandal, analysts remain divided on its long-term impact on Trump's political capital, with some predicting it could haunt future elections.

### Key Points

- Donald Trump's promise to release Epstein files resonated with supporters but was later reversed, causing backlash. 

- Epstein and Trump shared a history of social interactions, raising questions about their relationship. 

- Allegations from Maria Farmer and Teresa Helm link Trump to Epstein's network, intensifying scrutiny. 

- Trump's handling of the files has led to accusations of cover-ups, with some supporters abandoning him. 

- Analysts are divided on whether the scandal will harm Trump's political future. 

Choosing Democracy: Working to End the Trump/Fascist Power Grab. https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/08/working-to-end-trumpfascist-power-grab.html 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-17-25

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_17.html 

The article is a compilation of various blog posts and news pieces covering education, politics, social justice, and technology. It touches on topics such as AI integration in education, gun violence in schools, systemic racism, public school privatization, and the influence of corporate-driven policies. The content highlights critical issues, reforms, and the need for collective action to address societal inequities.

### Key Points  

- Diane Ravitch condemns Trump's preferential treatment of Putin and exclusion of Zelensky and the EU from critical discussions regarding Ukraine.   

- Amy and Ian, fictional AI systems raised as "children," highlight ethical concerns about neglecting human qualities in AI development.   

- AI's role in education is debated, emphasizing its potential benefits and challenges.   

- Gun violence in schools remains a critical issue, with Trump's measures like arming teachers criticized as ineffective.   

- Socioeconomic disparities impact public schools, and charter schools often fail to outperform public schools despite prioritization.   

- A federal judge ruled against parts of Florida's book banning law, supporting free speech and First Amendment protections.   

- Pennsylvania's cyber charter schools profit heavily while resisting transparency and reform efforts.   

- School vouchers and privatization efforts raise concerns about public school funding and inequities.   

- Systemic racism in America persists, with modern policies under Trump exacerbating historical inequities.   

- Older siblings and friends play crucial roles in helping children navigate safety risks in online gaming platforms.   

- Larry Cuban criticizes market-driven policies in public schools for undermining moral and cultural values.   

- Zohran Mamdani campaigns in conservative territories, advocating for immigrant rights and progressive politics.