Should Mr. Obama send his daughters to public school?

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by 1914blue1920

They need to go to private school, especially in DC. Why shouldnt they go, because their parents are black? All the other presidents kids attend private school because their safety is at risk wherever they go, so why should the Obama kids be any different?

Well the people that I spoke with didn't base it on him being black, they were talking about how passion about issues surrounding public education.

[darling1]

would you mind sharing some specifics on what these folks are saying? i saw a news report about this issue but did not get a chance to see it. are there specific groups that are making the claim that the obamas should educate their children in a public school?

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

Well the people that I spoke with didn't base it on him being black, they were talking about how passion about issues surrounding public education.

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by darling1

would you mind sharing some specifics on what these folks are saying? i saw a news report about this issue but did not get a chance to see it. are there specific groups that are making the claim that the obamas should educate their children in a public school?

I haven't seen specific groups who are addressing this issue. However, I have seen some pundits take on this issue. Also, people in general that I come in contact with are talking about it.

Basically the information that I read from the pundits was that Obama would be hypocritical for sending his children to a private school once he becomes president. As mentioned previously they have stated that he is passionate about public schools and so they feel that as president he should make a statement by sending his girls to public schools. Of course they always point to former presidents who sent their children to public schools, like Jimmy Carter. I think some of these poeple were unaware that his daughters already attend private school.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by darling1

has this question been considered by other president's families? why should it be a consideration for the obamas.

I remember it being considered a significant public statement for the Carters to send Amy to public school.

Originally Posted by mccoyred

This is the central matter. If the school they select is public, private or parochial, it should have no bearing on his policy decisions only what he and Michelle feel is right for THIER childrern as INDIVIDUALS.

Exactly. They should send the kids wherever they believe the best place for the kids might be, and the rest of us should respect that decision.

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

I haven't seen specific groups who are addressing this issue. However, I have seen some pundits take on this issue. Also, people in general that I come in contact with are talking about it.

Basically the information that I read from the pundits was that Obama would be hypocritical for sending his children to a private school once he becomes president. As mentioned previously they have stated that he is passionate about public schools and so they feel that as president he should make a statement by sending his girls to public schools. Of course they always point to former presidents who sent their children to public schools, like Jimmy Carter. I think some of these poeple were unaware that his daughters already attend private school.

His stance is that parents should not have to send their children to private school just to guarantee a good education. Especially since most parents cannot afford private school, even with scholarships or vouchers. A good education should not be dependent on your family finances. This is the same line of reasoning that he uses for his tuition-for-service program for college students.

[Benzgirl]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/fashion/16school.html

IN a town abuzz about all things Barack Obama, the policy wonks and government insiders have been whispering and wondering about who will be who in his incoming cabinet. But among power parents in the nation’s capital, there is yet another burning question.

Where will the Obama girls go to school?

Michelle Obama toured at least two of Washington’s most prestigious private schools last week — Sidwell Friends School and Georgetown Day School — and touched off a frenzy of dreaming, gossiping and well-mannered jockeying among the Washington elite. Maret School, another exclusive academy, is also believed to be on the shortlist for the future first children, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by Benzgirl

Michelle Obama toured at least two of Washington’s most prestigious private schools last week — Sidwell Friends School-

Stop.

No need to tour elsewhere.

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Stop.

No need to tour elsewhere.

I don't know. After reading about Georgetown Day School, I think the Obamas will weigh their options.

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Stop.

No need to tour elsewhere.

I agree.

One of my friends mentioned Madeira. Does anyone know anything about Madeira?

[Blacksocialite]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Stop.

No need to tour elsewhere.

I graduated from a Quaker middle school and I hear great things about Sidwell Friends. I like the fact that it is so diverse. I believe it could be a great educational and social environment for their children.

[theMorningStar]

We all know the issues that plague most of the public schools in our nation, and we all know that the truths of those issues won't be fixed overnight, but rather, that it will take years to correct the flaw filled
schools in our nation's cities. But the issue of keeping these girls in
a Private School setting is again, not just about their protection and or
security, but too, it's about allowing them the opportunity to learn how to compete on the highest and most impactful fields of academic strife available to them.

[TonyB06]

I think the point is being missed in this thread. The president's children have 24/7/365 Secret Service protection. They will be "safe" whatever school choice is made.

In past elections, particularly regarding candidates who have made public school/school voucher plan a key component of their campaigns, the post-election question has arisen "what will you do with your children" vis-a-vis their education, given your stance during the campaign.

To my knowledge President-elect Obama has been a strong supporter of public schools but is amenable to to the voucher concept. I don't think he made it a hardcore issue in his campaign either way, so I'd think anything beyond surface-level "criticism" for whatever choice the Obamas eventually make would be largely irrelevent anyway.

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by TonyB06

I think the point is being missed in this thread. The president's children have 24/7/365 Secret Service protection. They will be "safe" whatever school choice is made.

.

Although that is the case, the Secret Service has said in the past that it is much easier to secure children in a private school than in a public one.

[darling1]

in the same vein, this is not just about the girls. it is about whatever school they attend. if they attend a public school, let's say in SE DC, that entire school, their staff, the parents, their children, the community will be scrutinized in ways that may do long term detriment. the obama family will be critiqued in way that will probably be perceived as unrealistic or unfair no matter what choice they make.

Originally Posted by TonyB06

I think the point is being missed in this thread. The president's children have 24/7/365 Secret Service protection. They will be "safe" whatever school choice is made.

In past elections, particularly regarding candidates who have made public school/school voucher plan a key component of their campaigns, the post-election question has arisen "what will you do with your children" vis-a-vis their education, given your stance during the campaign.

To my knowledge President-elect Obama has been a strong supporter of public schools but is amenable to to the voucher concept. I don't think he made it a hardcore issue in his campaign either way, so I'd think anything beyond surface-level "criticism" for whatever choice the Obamas eventually make would be largely irrelevent anyway.