Diapers, Asbestos, and Antisemitism—Welcome to Philadelphia Public Schools

Originally published in The Washington Times.

“I believe every child of God deserves a shot here in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on Fox News in 2023. “And one of the best ways we can guarantee their success is making sure every child has a quality education.”

Unfortunately, not every child of God receives a quality education in Pennsylvania, especially in Philadelphia. In fact, Philly children have endured much worse, including no bathroom breaks and rampant antisemitism.

The district’s academic record has been notoriously atrocious. More than half of Philadelphia’s student body attends a state-designated “low-achieving school,” the bottom 15% based on statewide testing. Four out of 5 Philadelphia fourth-graders aren’t proficient in reading or math, according to the Nation’s Report Card. Only 6% of Philadelphia eighth-graders are proficient in science.

Read more at The Washington Times.