Right to education

[Jonathan Buhacoff]

The proposed right:

No person shall be denied basic education.

Intent:

In early 21st century terms, basic education means completion of primary and secondary school, high school, or equivalent.

Discussion:

Some limits on the right to education:

When a person completes elementary education, the right has been fulfilled. There is no right to complete it a second time (and most people wouldn’t want to).

Each level of elementary education has pre-requisite knowledge and skills that students must have prior to entry. Except for the first level, such knowledge and skills must be taught by the prior level. If a student does not qualify for the next level of education, they must either repeat the prior level or seek a tutor to gain the pre-requisite skills.

If a person demonstrates a lack of mental capacity to complete basic education, the people shall be released of their obligation to continue to provide education to that person.

The right to education creates obligations on parents to send children to school, on immigrant adults to enroll in night school, on law enforcement to ensure that these things happen.

Education must include reading, writing, arithmetic, scientific method, critical thinking, athletics, music, home economics, history, rights, duties and obligations, laws, elections, other important information about how society works such as how to apply for jobs and how to use the transit system, and rituals.

In the United States, rituals include saluting the flag, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing the national anthem.

Comparison to the United Nations:

Article 26.1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states “Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.” The first part about elementary education is covered by the right to education. The second part about equal access to higher education is covered by the right to equal opportunity.

Article 26.1 of the Untied Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states “Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.” This relates to the content of education and not so much to rights. However, the content of education is of the utmost importance because it’s the common base for everyone in society to share.

Article 26.3 of the Untied Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states “Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.” This is covered by the right to parental control. However, all education options must cover the basics in accordance with societal standards. See also Parent Choice in Education.

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