The Debate on School Choice
Larry Elder
Mon, Sep 21, 2026
By Larry Elder, Townhall.com
In this video, we discuss the implications of school choice through the lens of an essay by Nikole Hannah Jones, a New York Times reporter. Jones sent her daughter to a public school in Brooklyn, hoping it would inspire other families to do the same. However, her daughter struggled academically, failing to reach proficiency in reading and math. Despite having the means, Jones chose not to enroll her daughter in a private school. This choice raises questions about the responsibilities of parents and the impact of school choice on education quality. Additionally, we examine a debate in Los Angeles involving a mayoral candidate, Antonio Villaraigosa, whose wife is a public school teacher but whose children attend private school. The discussion highlights the disparity between advocating for public school improvement and personal educational choices. Ultimately, the video argues for a more nuanced approach to school choice, balancing personal decisions with broader educational impacts.