Introduction
As local leaders and politicians continue attacking our public education system with baseless lies and half-truths, Indy Hope Packages is compelled to release this statement. We are a direct political-aid program seeking to transform our city in the interests of the masses, and public schools—which are under public control—are essential to that mission. We need to not just defend Indianapolis Public Schools, but work to make them better, more equitable, and in line with the needs of working and oppressed people.
The fourth point in our 10-Point Program demands “Free education for all!” This means providing free high-quality daycare and public education for all poor and working-class residents. IPS schools serve marginalized and oppressed communities and families. However, Bills like Senate Bill 1 and 518 are direct attacks on their ability to carry out this mission, let alone advance it.
A breakdown of the bills: Beneath the double-speak
Senate Bill 1 claims property tax relief to allow homeowners to defer property tax and cap property tax growth. This will result in $1.4 billion in lost revenue and limit school referendums to every two years.
Senate Bill 287 permits “partisan School Board elections.” As the School Board governs public schools, it is essential those making up the Board are elected based on their qualifications, relevant experiences, and commitment to the good of our city. They must not be elected based on their well-funded corporate backers and commitment to privatizing and destroying our public schools.
Senate Bill 289 concerns “nondiscrimination in employment and education.” Despite its rhetoric, this bill would prohibit funding programs in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, going so far as limiting or eliminating training activities and curricula that explore anti-racism, social justice, and privilege. Indianapolis is over 25 percent Black/New Afrkan/African American. How can we educate these diverse student population if this Senate Bill passes? How can we properly educate white students if this Senate Bill passes?
Senate Bill 518 would siphon our public funds to pay charter schools that operate with little to no accountability. To take just one recent example, Brian Metcalf, the previous CEO of Tindley Charter Schools pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $1 million from our community with the help of co-conspirators.
House Bill 1002 is perhaps the most egregious, as it would begin the process of removing “barriers” to obtaining leading positions in our educational system. Apparently, requiring the Indiana Secretary of Education to have prior educational experience, live in the state, and even have a college degree add up to “unnecessary bureaucracy.”
The answer: Fight back!
Education should be a public, democratic service, not a privatized corporate business. Prioritizing charter schools over public schools reflects a broader push to dis-empower the working class. Public schools are run by elected school boards, while charters are run by private interests.
As Hope Packages, one of our core missions is to establish an education system that is free, accessible, equitable, and available to all. That is not a utopian dream; it could be accomplished immediately. While we fight to realize our vision or a better city, we must fight to defend the progress we have made. Indy Hope Packages stands in solidarity with the teachers, students, and community leaders who advocate for public education. We greatly appreciate Gayle Cosby, Jesse Brown, Indianapolis Education Justice Coalition, and the Democratic Socialists of Central Indiana for being fierce allies in this fight.
It’s time to eliminate corporate money flowing from the likes of Mind Trust, Rise Indy, and Save the Children from influencing our public schools and the decisions that we—the public—should be making.
We will not give up the fight for the future of public education! Join us!