It’s the Education, Stupid
November 2, 2024
Years ago, Bill Clinton’s campaign popularized the slogan “It’s the economy, stupid.” Today, the critical focus has shifted. Education is now the foundation on which our future rests, yet the support it desperately needs is lacking. In the AD of November 2, 2024, an article titled “Focus op Onderwijs—Onze leraren en universiteiten verdienen volledige steun” (Court: Focus on Education—Our Teachers and Universities Deserve Full Support) highlights this very issue.
We often hear the mantra "education, education, education" (Fromashon, formashon i mas formashon) in public forums. One of the first times I remember hearing it was when Etienne Ys succeeded Miguel Pourier as the leader of the PAR party. Five years ago, we even conducted a baseline assessment on the state of education, yet two years after its completion, the same calls continue, with little to show for it. While classrooms are now equipped with air conditioning (a response to the pressing demands of our climate), ICT remains insufficient, hindering progress in digital learning and innovation.
Then, there is the matter of the Court’s involvement. Recently, the judiciary has taken a more proactive stance on policy, and we see it happening in areas outside its traditional scope. The Court publicly emphasized the need for robust educational policy during the installation of new judges. Although, understandably, the judiciary may be frustrated with the government's lack of action, we must question if it’s appropriate for the Court to sit in the policymaker's seat.
Consider, for example, the landmark decision on same-sex marriage, effectively established by the Court, not by legislative action. More recently, there was the ruling forgiving three billion in back taxes. Instead of merely ruling, the Court could have issued a judgment directing the minister to reverse the forgiveness policy. After all, should the public interest not take precedence? Similarly, the Court could have ruled that the government must enforce legislation capping high salaries in the public sector rather than intervening.
The government must implement sound policies on education and other critical matters. And while the judiciary has its role, it should refrain from policymaking. Both branches must respect each other’s boundaries to create a compelling and balanced system for progress.
Miguel Goede
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