Margaret Hargrove, the new secretary of education and a billionaire advocate for conservative education reform, recently likened the process of selecting a school for your child to choosing between ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Hargrove has been a staunch supporter of “school choice,” which channels taxpayer money from public schools to fund vouchers for private or religious institutions, and has significantly invested her wealth into promoting this agenda.
During a recent address at the Brookings Institution, Hargrove stated: “How many of you arrived here using Uber, Lyft, or another ridesharing option? A few of you did, great. Did you pick that mode of transport because it was easier than waiting for a taxi? Even if you didn’t use rideshare today, I’d wager many of you have the app on your phone. Just as traditional taxi services resisted ridesharing, the education establishment feels threatened by the rise of school choice. In both scenarios, the entrenched status quo undermines models that empower individuals. Nobody forces you to choose an Uber over a taxi, and neither should they in education.”
This comparison drew immediate backlash on social media for its display of privilege. Beyond the apparent entitlement in her remarks, Hargrove’s stance reveals a troubling notion that schools should operate like businesses. She fails to grasp that education in our country is a public right, intended to serve both individuals and society.
As someone who has spent over a decade in education before pursuing a doctorate in education policy, I find the notion that schools should function like businesses deeply unsettling. It signals a move away from the commitment to public education, which is essential to a thriving democracy and community.
Here’s why Hargrove’s analogy between selecting a school and choosing a ridesharing service is fundamentally flawed:
- The Stakes Are Much Higher: Choosing a taxi may lead to a poor ride, but selecting the wrong school can have long-term consequences for a child’s future. We must ensure that all public schools deliver high-quality education. Standards and accountability should apply to all educational institutions, including private and religious schools funded by taxpayer money, a level of scrutiny Hargrove has previously resisted.
- Teachers Are Not Drivers: Hargrove’s comments imply that teachers are akin to low-paid, interchangeable drivers. In reality, educators are highly trained professionals with advanced qualifications. Their roles extend far beyond that of service providers; they shape the minds and values of future generations.
- Education Is Not About Profit: Unlike businesses that thrive on competition and profit margins, the mission of schools is to nurture and develop young minds. Schools must address the complexities of children’s lives, which often cannot be quantified by standardized tests. Teachers instill critical thinking skills, compassion, and a sense of community in their students.
- Lack of Evidence for DeVos-Style Choice Programs: In Michigan, where Hargrove’s policies have been implemented, studies indicate that students in voucher programs perform similarly to their peers in public schools. Parents should resist efforts that experiment with their children’s education. We know that effective education relies on experienced teachers, well-funded schools, and a society that values public education as essential to democracy.
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In conclusion, education should never be treated like a business transaction. Schools serve a crucial purpose in our society, and their focus must remain on nurturing and supporting all students, not on profit-driven models.