The Disturbing Forces Behind a School "Reform" Fight in Colorado

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The Disturbing Forces Behind a School "Reform" Fight in Colorado

Tuesday, 07 July 2015 00:00
By Jeff Bryant, Campaign for America's Future | News Analysis


It's Tuesday evening, and people have come to church — but not for religion.

What's bringing people to Green Mountain United Methodist Church in the heart of Lakewood, Colorado, is a meeting modestly titled "Church and society: Stand up for students."

In a cramped, wood-paneled room on the second floor, two dozen attendees rise, one after another, to introduce themselves and say why they are here. "I'm concerned," say a few. "Scary," "outrageous," say others.

A neatly dressed elderly man speaks up: "When you've been given a lot for the education of your own children, it's important that the children after yours get that same level of education, or better. I don't believe we're doing that."

.....(snip).....

At scores of house parties like this one, parents and public school activists circulate flyers and repeat a well-rehearsed message of dissent. They complain of a new school board majority that is secretive, disrespectful to parents and teachers and irresponsible with tax dollars. They warn of the influence of right-wing groups, some with connections to evangelical Christianity. They complain of a powerful charter school industry, different from the "organic charters" Jeffco parents already send their kids to. ................(more)

http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/31747-the-disturbing-forces-behind-a-school-reform-fight-in-colorado