Black and Hispanic Voters Feel Democrats Aren’t Prioritizing K-12 Education

This post is part of The 74’s coverage of EDlection 2024, analyzing candidates’ education policies and their potential impact on the American education system post the 2024 election.

Democratic lawmakers in swing states face the risk of losing key support from Black and Hispanic voters who feel their concerns regarding enhancing public education and expanding school access are not being addressed.

While a slim majority of Black and Hispanic voters still trust Democrats over Republicans on education issues, over two-thirds feel that Democrats are not giving sufficient attention to enhancing K-12 schools, as per a recent survey.

The wake-up call comes as Democrats strive to maintain their Senate edge and secure four House seats to gain House control by November. Polling indicates a tight race for House seats, with dynamics altered by President Joe Biden’s shift to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee and the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

“Black and Hispanic voters, especially parents, have a distinct perspective on education, with overwhelming belief that current public schools are letting down children of their ethnicity,” notes Cornell Belcher, president of Brilliant Corners, a Democratic polling firm. “Enhancing K-12 education is a top priority for them, and they feel that Democrats fall short in this area.”

Conducted from June 4 to June 17 by Brilliant Corners on behalf of Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools, the survey polled over 800 likely Black and Hispanic voters in seven swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Reflecting on her experience in Atlanta and her advocacy for families in the public school system, Keisha Spells expresses frustration at the lack of attention elected officials pay to education until significant incidents occur.

“In 17 years, I have witnessed families left in frustration, with failing schools persisting. Are we failing generations when children and their parents struggle with literacy at a third-grade level?” she questions.

“These families recognize the inadequacy and the desperate need for better education, yet they lack the tools to advocate for it,” she adds.

Historically, voters favored Democrats over Republicans in education matters. However, this trust has waned, notably after the COVID-19 closures hit K-12 schools, disproportionately impacting Black and Hispanic students and those from low-income families, delaying their academic recovery.

The survey reveals that a quarter of respondents trust neither party on education issues, with 36% of Black public school parents and about 25% of Hispanic voters favoring Republicans over Democrats.

Belcher emphasizes that Democratic leaders have an opening to better connect with this voter base by addressing their concerns about the schooling system serving their communities and reaffirming education as a top national priority.

Concerning specific education policies, 91% of respondents argue for parents’ right to choose the public school best suited for their child, agreeing that children in their locality would benefit from attending schools beyond their zip codes. Additionally, 67% believe that current public schools do not adequately prepare graduates for college or careers.

The majority also backs increased funding for public and charter schools, elevated teacher salaries, diverse teaching staff, and inclusion of Black and Latino history in curricula.

“Listening to Black and Latino swing voters is crucial for lawmakers to understand their needs and aspirations,” says Jay Artis-Wright, executive director of Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools.

“Their experiences must influence lawmakers’ decisions. The message is clear: education is a top priority, and the data indicates that the focus is on public education,” she stresses.

Republicans in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have tapped into parental dissatisfaction with public schools post-pandemic. They advocate for expanding private school choice initiatives, prompting reactions from Black and Hispanic voters, who also support these programs but with caveats on funding and discrimination prevention.

Artis-Wright notes that while Republicans lead this narrative, Black and Latino voters lean toward Democrats on education issues but expect more action from them.

She dismisses the “us versus them” debate on public versus private schools, acknowledging the desire for more options post-pandemic and the necessity to move past traditional public schooling.

The poll echoes previous surveys highlighting increasing dissatisfaction among Black and Hispanic voters regarding K-12 education, notably the demand for enhanced funding and choices advocated by groups like the National Parents Union.

“Parents have been vocal about wanting change, emphasizing the necessity of choosing the best public education path for their children,” says Keri Rodrigues, founding president of the National Parents Union.

“Education serves as a ladder to economic mobility for Black and Hispanic families, yet schools lag in providing that opportunity. Parents seek alternatives as they strive for better educational options,” she explains.