Colorado Latino Advocacy Organization Condemns Anti-Charter School Legislation

(Denver, CO) – The LIBRE Initiative, an organization committed to empowering the Latino community, issued a statement strongly condemning HB24-1363, legislation that, among other things would undo numerous bipartisan protections for charter schools.

Angel Merlos, strategic director for The LIBRE Initiative in Colorado, issued the following statement:

“Let’s be clear. An attack on public charter schools is an attack on Colorado’s Latino community that is currently enrolled in charter schools or thinking about enrolling.

Over the years, a bipartisan coalition of Colorado policymakers have paved the way to allow increased choice – including public charter schools – for Colorado families and students.

Unfortunately, this is under threat because some elected officials are convinced that our educational system should operate under a top-down one-size-fits-all approach to learning.

This is wrong and unfair.

And as one of the most vibrant Latino organizations in the state, LIBRE plans to educate, activate and empower Colorado’s Latino community to make their voice heard to ensure that public charter schools remain a choice for our children.”

Background

According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, around 34% of the Colorado charter school population is Latino, and around 37% of all Colorado charter school enrollees qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Education is essential for people to discover and develop their potential. It’s often in the classroom where students explore their gifts and the unique ways they can contribute to the world.  

That’s why students and families should have access to quality education tailored to the

way they learn best and that helps them succeed.  

Hispanic families understand the life-changing value of educational opportunity. Time and again, polls have shown they rank this as a top issue.  

So, they know that when families have more options from which to choose the best education for their child, everyone wins. We can make such outcomes possible by, among other things:

Support charter schools: Charter schools are built on the principle that every child is unique. They are public schools of choice, with the independence to create diverse and innovative learning environments. They restore power to the educators, to be autonomous and creative, ultimately creating a more unique and engaging learning environment for students.

Click here for more education policy solutions.

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