WE MUST END THIS UNCIVIL WAR A Call to Reflect Upon the Promise of Education By David Adams
The vitality of our democracy flows through our public school system. Thomas Jefferson knew this as he advocated for the establishment of a common education for all through his "Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge.” Thurgood Marshall knew this as he dissented against the Supreme Court's unwillingness to desegregate that system, writing that, "Unless our children begin to learn together, there is little hope that our people will ever learn to live together." And First Lady Jill Biden knows this, having 72
dedicated her life and labor to improving this system. These leaders recognized the foundational role that public education plays in developing citizenship and a concern for the common good. As we welcome the inauguration of a new administration following a time of great unrest and anxiety in this nation, it is time for us to reflect on the role that education can play in strengthening character and nurturing citizenship among those served by our public institutions. Our national community has been through a lot over the last few years, culminating in an
American Consortium for Equity in Education
