ProPublica’s desperate smear campaign against school choice ignores the facts

January 15, 2025

By Tim Worstall

ProPublica appears increasingly desperate to discredit school choice—whether it’s charters, vouchers, or similar initiatives. Their latest attempt involves dredging up historical motivations behind school choice in Ohio, claiming early proponents sought to direct state funds to parochial schools, notably under a Catholic governor. This revelation, they suggest, should prompt outrage and dismantle the idea of school choice altogether.

The flaw in this argument lies in prioritizing intentions over outcomes. Progressives often fall into this trap, focusing on motivations while ignoring measurable results. This mindset has led to excusing catastrophic failures, such as communism’s toll of 100 million lives, by clinging to the idea that the intentions were noble. But rational policy evaluation demands results-driven analysis.

When it comes to school choice, results are clear and positive. Critics who fear vouchers would perpetuate segregation are proven wrong—school choice initiatives have reduced racial segregation, even in areas previously marked by segregation academies. Moreover, competition from vouchers has compelled public schools to improve, raising standards for all students.

Parochial schools, which consistently deliver better outcomes at lower costs compared to union-dominated public schools, further illustrate the benefits of choice. It’s no wonder progressives, long aligned with teachers’ unions, resist school choice initiatives.

ProPublica’s argument boils down to one man’s support for vouchers in the 1990s as grounds to oppose a policy proven to benefit students. But effective public policy isn’t about who supported it or why—it’s about outcomes. School choice demonstrably improves education standards, and that’s what matters.

Rather than clinging to weak historical critiques, ProPublica and others should focus on evidence. The results are in: school choice works, and it’s time to embrace policies that put students first.

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