Public Schools are a Public Good
Courtney Jane Hochman's "No Kings!" speech, 19 April 2025
We had over 500 people at today’s “No Kings!” protest in Manhattan, Kansas. And we had speeches!
However, when our sound system decided to take Saturday off (hey, even sound systems need holidays), we had to use a bullhorn instead. So, our next few Substack posts will include some of those speeches.
For Courtney Jane Hochman’s speeech, you also get video!
Hi, my name is Courtney Jane Hochman and I want to take a minute to talk about public education. I come to you as a mom of three, a K-State student, and a member of this community for 25 years. Yes, I am also running for school board, but that is not what I want you to remember from what I say today.
It is a scary time right now for public education at all levels. Funds are being pulled back and cut, threats are being made to withhold funds for non-compliance in curriculum — you know, the EVIL diversity, equity, and inclusion. Discussions of ending monumental programs like Head Start, which was inspired by free meal and early education programs started by the Black Panthers, but I digress. Special education programs and protections are being thrown by the wayside. Teachers are terrified. No one is certain where the line is.
In higher education, professors and instructors are also using caution. Students are afraid to protest—so thank you to students who are out here today. And many of our international students, a population K-State has prided itself on for many years, find themselves constantly looking over their shoulders.
I know we are all tired. I am exhausted. But as I tell my own kids, WE CAN DO HARD THINGS! Say it with me — WE CAN DO HARD THINGS! We must continue to call, write and SHOW UP to say this is unacceptable. We must support our public schools and university staff who are visible targets. We must be LOUD in our efforts to keep public education PUBLIC and representative of students, families, teachers and staff of all kinds — all identities.
Public schools are a PUBLIC GOOD and now more than ever we need our children — our students — to get their free public education so they can grow into responsible, empowered citizens.