In a statement released to the media, Memphis parent advocacy group Memphis Lift called on a federal court to allow a state takeover of schools in Memphis. That planned takeover – initiated by state legislators in the most recent session of the General Assembly – is currently stalled as the school system continues its legal efforts to push back against the state.
Here’s Memphis Lift Executive Director Sarah Carpenter:
“The people who filed this lawsuit – and the people who are defending it – are not the ones most affected. Students and families are, so we had to speak up.
“While politicians and government officials argue over who should control our school system, our children are the ones sitting in these classrooms every single day. And they are the ones who will pay the price for more delay.
“That is why Memphis parents filed this brief. Our voices and our children’s interests were missing from this case.
“We are not asking the judge to settle the politics. We are asking the Court to consider what another year of waiting means for a child who cannot read on grade level, who goes to a school that has struggled year after year, or who may graduate before meaningful change ever reaches their classroom.
“For years, parents fought for an intervention because our children are not getting the educational outcomes they deserved. We supported this intervention because we want better schools and better futures for our children, not because we care which group of adults gets to be in charge.
“A school year is not something you can give back to a child. Our kids cannot put their education on pause while adults fight in court. Memphis parents have waited long enough. It is time to get to work.”
