Because the past decade has brought a new era of school segregation in North Carolina rivaling pre Civil Rights Act (1964) segregation rates and because the North Carolina Council of Churches has a long history of support for racial justice, we are recommitting to supporting a public school system that is built on racial equity and excellence for all students.
Overview
The Council also has a long history of support for public education. In 1986, we reaffirmed “our support for the system of public education in North Carolina… Being a system of our government financed by public funds, responsive to the community as a whole, and open to all without distinctions as to race, creed, national origin or economic status. Public education serves as a major cohesive force in our pluralistic society; and we believe that by training for citizenship, education serves as a primary means of strengthening our constitutional democracy.
Council Resources
2022 Legislative Bulletin: Public Education
The Council is committed to advocating for the creation of equitable school systems in North Carolina. As people of faith, we must keep our elected officials accountable to put children first. Download our legislative bulletin for more scripture, key facts, talking points, and action items.
Denominational Members’ Resources
Alliance of Baptists
African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Church’s Role in Education
Episcopal Church
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Presbyterian Church USA
Equity and Quality in Public Education (K-12)
Fellowship of Friends
United Church of Christ
United Methodist Church
Data Resources
- NCAE Position Papers and Issue Briefs
- NCAE Legislative Agenda 2017-2018
- Public Schools First NC, Know the Issues
- Public Schools First NC Fact Sheets
- Public Schools First NC Important Research
- Public Schools First NC Legislative Updates
- Schools Our Students Deserve Advocacy
- Publications of the NC Justice Center Education and Law Project
Other Faith-Based Resources
- Journey to Lent, Journey to Learn (3/4/2011)
- Celebrating a Public Education Sabbath (7/11/2005)
Public Education Issue Statements
The Council takes positions on issues through policy statements that inform, guide, and frame our work. Policy statements are adopted by our governing body, often upon the recommendation of one or more of the Council’s program committees which are made up of representatives of our member bodies.
- Policy Statement on the Public Schools (12/15/2017)
- A Statement on the Public Schools (9/5/2006)
- The Role of Religion in Public Education (5/7/1998)
Partners
Church Women United in NC
EducationNC
League of Women Voters of North Carolina
NC Child
North Carolina Association of Educators
Pastors of North Carolina Children
Public Schools First NC
United Methodist Advocates for Public Schools (UMAPS)
Ways to Take Action
Public Schools First Advocacy Tool-Kit
The information compiled in this packet is a guide to help you advocate for public education. You can find fast facts on teacher compensation and the impacts of the state budget; helpful tips for communicating your views; and information on how to contact elected leaders.
HIGHLIGHT: LEANDRO V. STATE SUPREME COURT RULING
Click here to read about the milestone Leandro v. State ruling set forth by the Supreme Court outlining a fair and constitutional education in the United States. For a more detailed understanding of this case and its effects, we we encourage you to read Steve Ford’s analysis here.