E&W Blog

Today, the Education and Workforce Committee held a hearing to examine how school districts are losing sight of their core mission: educating students.

Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) referred to his recent letter to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) after CPS violated federal law by discriminating against students of a Christian college and pressuring it to compromise its religious hiring practices so its students can practice teaching in the district.

Dr. Macquline King, Superintendent and CEO of Chicago Public Schools, did not apologize for the district’s illegal policy that targeted people of faith. She also failed to answer whether teachers who believe marriage is between a man and a woman would be welcome at her schools.

Dr. Maria Su, Superintendent at San Francisco Unified School District, failed to give an age she thought was appropriate for students to be exposed to “drag queen story hour.” Supporters of these events claim they are appropriate for all ages. But if that’s the case, then why are school leaders hesitant to answer?

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) asked witnesses whether it’s appropriate for biological men to sleep with biological women on overnight, school-sponsored field trips. Both CPS and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) confirmed that their policies allow this to occur.

Dr. Aaron Spence, Superintendent at Loudoun County Public Schools, proudly told Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO) that biological men are allowed to enter women’s locker rooms and bathrooms. This answer is not surprising, but it is disappointing given that LCPS had a case of a 15-year-old girl being sexually assaulted in the women’s bathroom by a biological male student allegedly wearing a skirt.

School districts are failing to protect girls. Radical gender ideology and policies have put female students in dangerous and uncomfortable situations. 

Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) asked Dr. King about a political day of action that the school district held which encouraged students to participate in civic action. The event was in partnership with the Chicago Teachers Union—the group stated that the event was in response to the attacks on education by “MAGA Republicans.” 

“This was not a politically slanted event,” Dr. King said.

Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) followed up by asking Dr. King about a permission slip that called the event “political.” He also showed a photo of a student from that day holding a sign equating President Trump to Hitler.

Dr. King pled ignorance to all these examples.

The hearing coincided with the release of today’s disappointing NAEP scores, which are a reminder that too many students are falling behind while school leaders focus on everything except the basics.

Bottom line: Schools need to stop playing politics and help students succeed. Period.