The "Right" of Education in the United States: A History of Privilege by Molly

The "Right" of Education in the United States: A History of Privilege by Molly - January 2021 Scholarship Essay

In a perfect world, education would be a right. The truth is, though, that education is a privilege, even in countries like the United States where the 14th amendment allows equal access to schooling no matter sex, gender, religion, sexulaity, or other factors. Years of history have built upon the system that allows those with privilege more opportunity than those without.

Before the United States was even a country, education was an important part of society. Affluent European families would educate their children from home and sometimes send them to local schools. Boys expected to be leaders of church, state, or court would attend Latin schools to prepare them for such roles or receiving schooling from highly thought of tutors. Girls and children from poorer classes were often denied these educational opportunities. Instead, girls were expected to learn the responsibilities of womanhood from home or at the occasional all girls school, while others received no education except for that of their family’s trade.

When the United States first became a country, there was no indication of the right to education in the Constitution. Still, it became more and more popular among colonists to receive an education. In 1827, Massachusetts passed a law that cities with 500 families or more must have a public school. Unfortunately, it was still a predominately white function, especially in the south. Slaves were both prevented from attending school and learning to read and write altogether.

Slavery was permanently abolished in 1865, and despite reconstruction allowing a system for ex-slaves to be educated, racism prevailed. White people were able to attend more prestigious schools, while people of color attended poorer schools that were often farther from home.Finally, decades later, Brown v. the Board of Education decreed that segregation in schools would no longer occur.

People of color weren’t the only ones that failed to receive a fair education. Those with disabilities were often frowned upon and rejected education in public schools. Once white people realized black students were receiving better education than their own disabled education, they began to speak out for their children. In 1975, Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, enabling students with special needs to receive education similar to other children. In the years following, other acts were passed to improve the education for those with special needs, such as The Americans with Disabilities act of 1990.

Even after the plethora of Acts passed throughout history, education is still a privilege in America today. Similar to the colonies, families with money are able to send their children to private schools with better education and opportunity. If they don’t, it's probably because they live in a wealthy area where there are well-funded public schools. Areas in poverty have less funding for their schools and lower quality teachers. There are less resources available to ensure an education equal to those throughout the country. The ability for people to receive a better education demonstrates the privilege of education. To try and break this division, different acts have been passed in the early 2000s, including the No Child Left Behind Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act. Still, these acts did not succeed, and even caused more issues in the education system.

Though education is still a privilege in America, I’m grateful to live in a country that has spent its history making it more of a right. I get to experience the same schooling as males, alongside my classmates of color and disabilities. As a future educator, I look forward to playing a role in making it equal for all people nationwide, and maybe even beyond.