WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Statement from Rep. Eric Pettigrew on Supreme Court’s recent decision on charter schools

September 9, 2015

Statement from Rep. Eric Pettigrew (D-Renton) on Supreme Court’s recent decision on charter schools.

“Last week’s Supreme Court ruling that public charter schools are unconstitutional is a devastating loss for the nearly 1200 families with children already enrolled in these schools and for the majority of Washington voters who made public charter schools possible with a 2012 initiative. The timing — at 4:05 pm the Friday before Labor Day Weekend, is particularly cruel, creating confusion and uncertainty for students who started at their new schools just weeks ago.

Traditional public schools are failing many students, especially students of color. Whether a student graduates from high school, attends college, or achieves future success should not depend on the color of their skin or their zip code. We need to do more to make sure every child has the opportunity to get a great education. Charter schools represent a path forward for students who are not being served by our current educational system.

I will not speculate as to the motivations of the court, but their decision was most certainly done heartlessly without concern for the impacted children and families. I will work to find a solution for these families in whatever way I can and continue to advocate for an equitable education for all Washington students.”