JESSICA GILES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DEMOCRATS FOR EDUCATION REFORM D.C. ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Vasuki Wilson

202.294.2342

Washington, D.C. (April 25, 2025) — Today, Jessica Giles, executive director at Democrats for Education Reform  D.C. (DFER D.C.), issued a statement in support of public education: 

“DFER D.C. does not support vouchers, education savings accounts, or tax credits for private education. Nor does it support private religious charter schools. While some may frame these policies as a tool for equity, the truth is they funnel taxpayer dollars to private schools that are not accountable to the public and exclude students based on disability, religion, or gender identity. That’s not equity, that’s exclusion. These efforts would siphon public funds away from the education system that serves the overwhelming majority of families, particularly Black and Brown students. Public education is a public promise and public dollars should never be used to break it.

DFER D.C. is and will always be committed to strengthening our public education system, which includes traditional public schools and public charter schools, where all students are welcome and all families deserve a free high-quality option.”