Indiana’s public education system is being weakened by policies that redirect public dollars into private hands while Hoosier families absorb the consequences. Vouchers and unchecked charter expansion fragment funding, reward selective enrollment, and leave neighborhood schools with fewer resources to serve the students who need them most. At the same time, political interference in higher education governance is eroding trust in universities that should be guided by evidence, academic freedom, and public accountability.

Without stronger protections, we are drifting toward a two-tiered system: premium education for those with access and influence, and underfunded public institutions expected to carry everyone else. Education is not a luxury market or a culture-war playground. It is critical infrastructure. Our communities deserve investment that strengthens public schools and universities for the long term, not policies that extract value and leave the public holding the bill.