CAPAC Members Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Washington, DC – On April 11, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) into law as part of his “War on Poverty” to ensure that all students have access to an equitable education. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ESEA:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), every child has the right to an equitable education, regardless of race, zip code, family income, background, or disability. Education is the greatest equalizer, and the ESEA is an important civil rights law that enables students to overcome socio-economic barriers and ultimately break the cycle of poverty. Fifty years since the ESEA was passed, we have seen great progress, but there is still more work to be done to bridge the chasm of inequality. States and local educational agencies must be accountable for the education of all students, and we must ensure that critical funding and resources go to those that need it the most, including the nearly 5 million English language learners in the U.S. Along with my CAPAC colleagues, I will continue to fight to ensure that the ESEA is not only reauthorized, but also strengthened to further promote educational excellence for every child.”
Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):
“As a graduate of Hawaii public schools and longtime advocate for improving education from pre-K to college, I know how education can change one’s life. For fifty years, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act has helped our schools serve students with the greatest need, and as a result we’ve seen improvements in student achievement and graduation rates. As Congress considers an ESEA update, we must continue to focus on the law’s original intent of helping to level the playing field for all students.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“Poverty is the most important predictor of a student’s performance in school. President Lyndon Johnson understood this fact when he signed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) into law in 1965. A key component of Johnson’s Great Society Legislation, ESEA represents the federal government’s commitment to helping student groups that need it the most, including Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. AAPI families actually experience poverty at a higher rate than other Americans families, placing additional burdens on AAPI students. As ESEA turns 50, let us celebrate the spirit of the law by renewing our commitment to all children living in poverty.”
Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Education Task Force Chair:
“After spending more than 20 years as a classroom teacher, I have seen first-hand the benefits of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which was signed into law 50 years ago today. With the ESEA, millions of students were finally given an equal opportunity to education. Sadly, I have also seen a concerted effort to do away with many of the original promises made by the ESEA, especially with No Child Left Behind. On this day, the 50th Anniversary of the ESEA, let us recommit to the original promises made by repealing and replacing No Child Left Behind, and do all we can to provide millions of children with a quality education.”
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):
“Fifty years after it was first enacted, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act stands as a cornerstone of providing children from all backgrounds with the opportunity of a good education. This landmark achievement in our nation’s history serves as evidence that Congress can work together to move our country forward, but we still have work to do to narrow the achievement gaps among our students. As a father and the son of a public school teacher, I believe strengthening our public schools is crucial to our nation’s success. We need to do more to support schools, teachers, and students in fostering long-term academic success. We must ensure that our children are not only good test takers, but also thoughtful and innovative citizens. Our children deserve a well-rounded education that provides them the greatest chance to succeed and compete with students around the world.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“Fifty years ago, lawmakers came together to build a brighter future for all children. The ESEA enshrined into law the principle that every child deserves a high-quality education. Tragically, the noble goals of the ESEA have been forgotten by many in Congress. Low-income students and students of color are too often shut out from educational opportunities. Congress must work to restore the promise of the ESEA by providing all children with the resources and skills they need to succeed.”
Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (CNMI):
“When it comes to federal education funding, students in U.S. ‘territories’ are still treated differently than other Americans—50 years after enactment of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. With reauthorization of the Act now on the legislative agenda, Congress needs to end that injustice. Asian and Pacific Islanders and all students in territories deserve the same help getting an education as students in the states.”
Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01):
“The purpose of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) has always been to prioritize education for all of America’s keiki. From helping to fund programs such as Impact Aid, to supporting underserved communities, the ESEA has played a vital role in helping shape future generations. As Congress begins deliberations for the reauthorization of ESEA, it will be crucial for us to establish the educational foundation that our students need to succeed in this modern society.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.