Principle 1: Public Education Is a Fundamental Right

Public Education Is a Fundamental Right


Free, universal, high-quality public education is a fundamental right of all children and adolescents in the United States – from early childhood through college.

  • “Universal” and “high quality” mean that ethnic, racial, and economic diversity is a primary goal and characteristic of public education.
  • All educational policies, organizational structures, operations, and professional practices reflect this fundamental goal.