© 2024
Virginia's Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Education Takes Center Stage at NAACP Governor's Forum

Two of Virginia’s candidates for Governor were in Richmond Thursday at a forum hosted by Virginia’s NAACP.

Speaking on the campus of Virginia Union, the state’s oldest historically black university, access to education was a recurring theme.  

“In my view the proper role of government is not to guarantee equality of outcomes for everyone, but to guarantee equality of opportunity for everyone,” said Republican Ed Gillespie. “You have to fight with every fiber in your being to make sure that every child in Virginia has access to a good safe quality public school.”

 

Gillespie said part of providing that access is shaking up the system, and allowing for more public charter schools. While Democrat Ralph Northam agreed innovation is important, he said there were bigger priorities.

 

“I’ll be glad to talk about charter schools, I’ll be glad to talk about vouchers. I’ll be glad to talk about online learning -- all these things,” Northam said. “But first we need to make sure that we’re funding k-12 public education.”

The candidates were also asked about what’s taught in those public schools: How would they ensure lessons reflect Virginia’s role in enslaving human beings?

Gillespie responded that history has to be accurate.  

“When you’re on the side of defending the evil institution of slavery you’re on the wrong side of history,” he said to applause.

Northam suggested part of the solution is diversifying the state agencies that write and develop curriculum.

 

“All of these departments, including education, need to reflect our society. They need to be diverse,” said Northam.

 

The candidates also discussed Confederate monuments, criminal justice reform and the cost of college.

 

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association

 

Mallory Noe-Payne is a Radio IQ reporter based in Richmond.
Related Content