Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site cbscc.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxt!houxm!ihnp4!cbosgd!cbsck!cbscc!pmd From: pmd@cbscc.UUCP (Paul Dubuc) Newsgroups: net.politics Subject: Re: Public Schools, Equality and Democracy Message-ID: <5889@cbscc.UUCP> Date: Fri, 13-Sep-85 10:50:59 EDT Article-I.D.: cbscc.5889 Posted: Fri Sep 13 10:50:59 1985 Date-Received: Sat, 14-Sep-85 07:53:39 EDT References: <11254@rochester.UUCP> <7800424@inmet.UUCP> <722@cybvax0.UUCP> <703@whuxl.UUCP> Reply-To: pmd@cbscc.UUCP (unix-Paul Dubuc,x7836,1L244,59472) Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories , Columbus Lines: 36 In article <703@whuxl.UUCP> orb@whuxl.UUCP (SEVENER) writes: >I think Mike Huybensz had an excellent point about the potential >problem of private schools: >> >> There is also the danger of forming a powerful industry, which would >> lobby in its own economic interests, rather than in the interests of >> the students or the public. You would see the rise of industry giants, >> as we see in automobiles, fast-food, hospitals, etc. Do you want the only >> nearby school to be as responsive as a McDonalds? > >Once again we find the conflict between the extremist libertarian demand >for all enterprise to be privately owned and controlled and democracy. >In the present public school system, despite its problems there is a >KEY element of responsiveness: namely local school boards elected by >those who live in the school districts they serve. These school boards >have not necessarily always made the best decisions-some have banned books, >and others have tended to persecute those who are different. > .... The danger Mike is talking about is not inherent to the rise of private schools. The National Education Assoc. (NEA) Has tremendous political clout, for example. I don't think the public schools provide any hedge against the abuses Mike is talking about. Large influential organizations like the NEA have very significant influence on both the national and local level. I would not think that the public school board would have much more reason to be responsive to the community than the local private school. Private schools may be more sensitive. Their funding depends on it. Private schools are much more numerous when we get into higher education. Have we seen Mike's fears realized in this segment of the educational system? -- Paul Dubuc cbscc!pmd