Schakowsky Statement on Puerto Rico School Closures

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement supporting educators protesting the Puerto Rico Department of Education's decision to close hundreds of public schools on the island:

"I stand today with students, parents and teachers in Puerto Rico who are fighting to protect public education. Puerto Ricans are still dealing with the horrific damage created by Hurricanes Maria and Irma -- and the Trump Administration's failure to come to their aid. Now they are facing a man-made threat that would pull public dollars out of public education and close hundreds of schools -- affecting thousands of students on the island.

"Charter schools are not the answer for Puerto Rico's children and its future. In Chicago, we know the stakes involved because we are fighting the same threat. What is happening in Puerto Rico and across America is a campaign to divert taxpayer dollars from public education to charter schools and vouchers for private schools -- schools that evidence shows are not publicly accountable, do not provide better results, and often avoid taking special needs children.

"Public community schools work when they have the resources they need to pay teachers fairly and provide safe, quality classrooms. They are the foundation on which to build our educational infrastructure -- and they deserve our support."

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