US Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) serves as narrator in a video documentary on school choice released this week by South Carolinians for Responsible Government Foundation. Throughout the film, DeMint voices his strong belief in providing parents with real choices in education.
“What our students learn and how they learn it is ultimately our responsibility as parents,” explained Sen. DeMint “That’s why parents’ involvement in education is so important, and being able to choose where your child is educated is a critical part of student success that should not be limited to a privileged few.”
The film also showcases the wide diversity of political affiliation and income level that characterize choice activism in other states. DeMint and others in the film note that engaged and responsible parenting is the key to student success, and that truism is the heart of school choice’s success.
Consistent with DeMint’s longstanding call for reform of Washington-based bureaucracies, the Senator challenged local activists and state lawmakers to empower families –not government administrators– to guide reforms in school classrooms.
“The principles of American freedom are grounded in the ability of individuals to make choices for themselves. Too many in our society have bought into the idea that a one-size-fits-all government education is the only true option out there.” DeMint pointed to differences among students as the importance of such options. “As a dad of four I know that what worked in teaching one didn’t necessarily work with the others. It’s time to empower parents in South Carolina and across the nation to make choices that best suit their child.”
The film was pre-released to small groups of activists earlier this month earning rave reviews.
“Senator DeMint is once again showing the political and policy leadership that committed conservatives have come to expect from him,” exclaimed Glenn McCall, Chairman of the York County Republican Party. “Obviously a policy designed to engage parents and promote education is a win-win.”
