A Right to the Privilege of Education

Did you know the people of North Carolina have “a right to the privilege of education”? In remarks during a recent visit to Claxton Elementary School in Greensboro, Governor Roy Cooper cited that right, enshrined in the State Constitution.

He noted that in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, state leaders knew education was crucial to the rebuilding and progress of North Carolina. The actual wording of the 1868 Constitution was, “Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and happiness of mankind, schools, and the means of education, shall be forever encouraged.”

Our current Constitution preserves that right and privilege of education and notes “it is the duty of the State to guard and maintain that right.” Governor Cooper reminded us that “Strong public schools build strong communities and a strong North Carolina. Our state’s future depends on ensuring every child has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education in our public schools.”

State Superintendent-elect Mo Green, who accompanied the governor, added, “Public education unlocks the doors to the world. I know first-hand that our public schools have the ability to transform the lives of each and every student.”

Our Duplin County public schools are dedicated to making a “right to the privilege of education” a reality for every student. The Duplin County Schools Governing principles state, “A system of excellent schools in which every student has an opportunity to receive a sound basic education has as its first priority to provide opportunities for individual students to succeed and overall student performance to improve.” To help our students succeed, our school leadership has identified the objective that “All Pre-K-13 students will graduate as lifelong learners, college and career ready, and destined to be a productive citizen.” Our dedicated teachers, staff, and administrators work hard to protect and extend the right to education to all students.

Tumira Middleton, a CTE Business Teacher at James Kenan High School in Warsaw, is a good example. In her comments on the “Learning, Leading, Succeeding” link on the Duplin Schools website, Ms. Middleton exemplifies the commitment of our teachers. She says, “James Kenan High School works to foster positive relationships while preparing our students for their future in the real world. Our educators know that it is vital to grow young minds while supporting each other, respecting different cultures, and respecting each student and their ideas.

Duplin County Schools prioritizes diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds. By celebrating cultural differences and fostering a sense of belonging, the school encourages students to embrace their identities and learn from one another’s perspectives. This diversity enriches the learning experience and prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”

The work to extend, protect, and support “a right to the privilege of education” is not left to our teachers alone. As a community, we have the opportunity and obligation to help make the promise of our State Constitution a reality. In return, we will enjoy the fruits of everyone’s labors in our stronger communities.

Philip Gladden lives in Wallace and writes on behalf of Duplin County Schools.