Earlier this year, there was a heavy, yet divided buzz surrounding the Education Freedom Act 2025. You may know it as the school voucher program in which the state of Tennessee plans to award 20,000 scholarships for private school vouchers.
Immediately, questions began to flood social media such as:
- Who will benefit from these scholarships
- How will this impact public schools?
There were many (not surprisingly) who cheered loudly and proudly for it, but there was also a large number of people who knew the reality of what passing a bill like this would mean; less resources going to public schools, and in most cases, in neighborhoods which are most in need.
Even with enough outrage to ignite a heated debate, Gov. Lee stood firm behind the school voucher legislation and the act was signed into law on February 12th, 2025.
After diving deeper into this bill and how it impacts students and communities, many Tennesseans are left believing this is just another example of the privatization of public commodities. This is where private investors and large corporations are attempting to monetizing everything that is essential to average Americans such as housing, schooling, public transportation, and even utilities.
Thanks to the Education Freedom Act, private investors will now have the incentive to open more private schools in the state of Tennessee in order to benefit from the state funding. The bill provides a $430 million budget with room for even more in the future. The wasteful spending is blatantly obvious considering over 60% of the vouchers will go to the more fortunate students who are already attending private schools.
The Education Freedom Act is a prime example of privatization of our public education system and a clear warning of the direction we are headed as a state and a country.
So, what can we do? First, we can begin at a local level. Search for representatives who voted yes on this bill and remember their names. The 2026 midterm elections will give us a chance to vote for representatives who have the best interest of our communities at heart, but until then, we have a special election in the upcoming months. The primary election is on October 7th, and the General Election is on December 2nd . We have four democratic candidates who are determined to flip this seat and provide us with another ally in Congress. It’s more vital than ever to get out and make your voice heard.
Second, you can join organizations like MCTNDP (Montgomery County TN Democratic Party) or others who are leading the fight to ensure our communities are informed, supported and heard.
And lastly, spark conversation with friends and family. Politics in this climate can be difficult to discuss, but it is necessary. I am sure everyone is at their wits end and every day seems to be doomsday, but we will win the fight.
Others may not see it; however, Democrats are defending the basic human rights of society. We aren’t here to increase the wealth of private investors, or corporations. We are here to remind this country of what we have lost sight of, which is the people.
In recent years, residents of the United States have been inundated with the theme of party over people and privatization over people, but what about power to the people? It is a forgotten concept that we must find our way back to.
Contributed by Rachel Sisco
