Washington, D.C. celebrates National School Choice Week with Capitol Hill rally

Yesterday, the American Federation for Children along with students, parents, allies and Congressional leaders gathered at the Capitol to celebrate National School Choice Week and educational options for every child!
Hosted by School Choice Congressional Caucus co-founders Rep. Luke Messer and Sen. Tim Scott, Rep. Messer emceed the event featuring speeches from members of Congress and over 200 students who participate in the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program or attend a public charter school in the District.

Congressman Messer with students on stage at after yesterday’s rally.

Speaker Paul Ryan addresses the crowd saying, “We live in a time when you can use your phone to customize your life. So why would we limit you to a certain school in a certain ZIP code, even if that school is failing you?”

“To me, school choice does not diminish one form of education over another, but it seeks to offer our youth the chance to find an education track that best fits their individual needs,” – Senator Scott on school choice.

Senate HELP Committee Chair, Senator Lamar Alexander, told students about the importance of choice in education and how, as Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos will work to give all children opportunity.

House Education and Workforce Committee Chair, Rep. Virginia Foxx, said, “Together, we can empower more parents to do what’s best for their children to ensure they receive an excellent education.”