A Fourth of July Reflection on Freedom and Opportunity

One of the most remarkable things about America is that each generation has found new ways to expand freedom and opportunity for the next. From extending voting rights to broadening access to education and civil rights, our nation’s story has been one of opening doors that were once closed. 

I believe we are witnessing, and helping build, the next great expansion of freedom: ensuring every family has the opportunity to choose the education that works best for their child. 

Milton Friedman often reminded us that freedom is ultimately about human potential, and he knew that the best way to create a flourishing society was through educational freedom.  

That’s one reason I’m especially grateful as we celebrate this Independence Day. 

When I look at the progress we’ve made in educational freedom, I see that same American story continuing today. More families than ever before have the opportunity to choose the learning environment that works best for their children and more students are benefiting from that freedom than at any point in our nation’s history. 

More students are eligible for and participating in educational choice than ever before. Across the country, 75 private school choice programs now serve families in 34 states, and more than 1.5 million students are benefiting from opportunities their parents chose for them. 

Just a generation ago, progress on this scale would have been difficult to imagine. What began as a bold vision championed by EdChoice founders Milton and Rose Friedman has grown into a nationwide movement that is changing lives every day. 

This year also marks EdChoice’s 30th anniversary. While we’re proud of the role we’ve played, this milestone isn’t really about our organization. It’s about the parents who spoke up for their children, the policymakers who had the courage to lead, the educators and school leaders who created new opportunities for students, and the advocates who persevered through setbacks and challenges.

Because of that work, we are closer than ever to realizing Milton and Rose Friedman’s vision of universal educational choice: a future where every student can enjoy all options, funded by all dollars. 

There is still more to do. Millions of families remain unaware of the opportunities available to them. Others are still waiting for the freedom that families in many states now enjoy. 

But for the first time, that vision feels within reach. 

As you gather with family and friends and celebrate our country’s 250^th anniversary, please know how grateful I am for your partnership and your belief in the power of educational freedom. 

Thank you for helping open doors for students and families across our country. 

And thank you for helping build a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and flourish. 

Happy Fourth of July.