For the last three years, my family has attended FreedomFest, an annual festival where thousands of minds from across the political spectrum meet to celebrate liberty. This year’s event was held in Memphis, Tennessee. This year’s FreedomFest, however, was a different experience than the past. One full day was dedicated to the topic of education. Organizations such as EdChoice and the American Federation for Children reminded us of Milton Friedman’s vision for school choice, the momentum that is building for it in America, and the importance of freedom in education.
The topic of educational freedom hit close to home. Like many teenagers, I started my high school career during the COVID lockdowns. I was fortunate to have the freedom to transfer to American Heritage School Palm Beach, a private school that excelled in Speech and Debate and was open for business.
However, unlike many high-school seniors, I was forced to “drop out” for expressing my religious beliefs. The incident that led to my drop-out occurred last year as I was completing my college applications. I was expelled from a debate tournament by a Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) office, kicked out of my school’s debate team, and labeled a threat to other students. The school administration further mandated I undergo a psychological examination before being allowed back on school grounds while leaving the door open for further punishment. With my family’s support, I politely refused any examination.
Missing from the discussion at FreedomFest were the landmines families may face going to private school. For example, students shed their 1st Amendment rights, core to our American heritage, when on the grounds of a private school. While my situation is an edge case today, more families will face these landmines as Milton Friedman’s vision is realized and students trend out of public schools. It is more important than ever for people to know ways in which some private schools may violate student rights.
The Incident
January 14, 2023, looked like an exciting day. My debate team had just flown into Durham, North Carolina from South Florida for an invitational debate tournament during my senior year. I lived for those events. The tournament started off well in the rounds,and as usual, I engaged in controversial arguments outside of competition as well. Sometimes the debate grew heated, but I didn’t mind. Being treated belligerently is par for the course for Conservatives in the modern debate scene.
It wasn’t until the afternoon that I had the conversation that ultimately led to my cancellation. Knowing I was a Christian, another student at the tournament pressed me on proving the existence of God, and then asked, “What do you think about Jews?” I made a distinction between Jewish ethnicity and the religion Judaism. I of course clarified that when it comes to ethnicity, I have no issues whatsoever, but my Christian faith compels me to believe that the religion Judaism is wrong. The other student left saying I had crossed a line. Without my knowledge, she submitted a complaint to the tournament’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office. That was the point of no return.
The Aftermath
That day I was disqualified from the tournament and within a week I was expelled from school. The school administration informed my parents that I was a threat to my peers because I voiced my religious beliefs. Never mind that I had no disciplinary record. For even the possibility of returning, I was required to take a psychological evaluation. With the support of my family, I declined. I do not believe stating the truth is a sign of insanity. Surprisingly, all the school’s actions were legal. Since private schools don’t take government funds, they aren’t obligated to follow the 1st Amendment.
The future was uncertain. My family had given American Heritage thousands of dollars in pre-paid tuition that was not going to my education. It wasn’t clear if I would finish high school, let alone be accepted into college. Thankfully, due to my parents’ dedication, I finished high school via online Christian college classes, and Grove City College ensured that I fulfilled all admission requirements. Unfortunately, after involving lawyers–which cost thousands more–we were never refunded. My parents will never see the money they pre-paid for my education.
Lessons Learned
We are living in a school choice revolution. According to Edchoice’s presentation at FreedomFest, nine states created school voucher programs in 2021 alone. Milton Friedman’s vision is accessible to more people than it ever has been before. I believe this is an amazing development. However, more school choice means higher chances of students being canceled like me.
Does this mean that private schools must now be avoided just as much as public ones? Not quite. It does mean that families and students should be informed when they choose to enroll in private education.
Here are ten lessons and pieces of advice I have learned through this experience:
- Know that private schools are not subject to the First Amendment. Surprisingly, the only state that protects free speech in private education today is California, i.e. the Leonard Law. Consider pushing similar laws with your state representatives. In the meantime, consider home-schooling, magnet programs, charter schools, or private schools that actively support free speech.
- Choose a school that aligns with your values. While I prefer a world where we do not restrict ourselves to ideological echo chambers. This experience has shown that this may not be possible. If you go to a school that doesn’t explicitly support your right for free speech, make sure that your values align.
- Study the student handbook. Private school policies are generally established in handbooks or mission statements. If a student infringes on those guidelines, the First Amendment cannot act as a “Get out of Jail Free card.” Look especially for protections for free speech and freedom of religion.
- Talk to the teachers and administrators. My parents assumed that my coaches were capable teachers; however, they ultimately mishandled my situation. When you send your children to school, you put them in someone else’s hands. Make sure they are ready for the responsibility.
- Choose colleges that support free speech. I purposefully applied to conservative colleges that did not care about my previous expulsion. I was lucky they support free speech. Colleges that respect free speech include Grove City College, Hillsdale College, Belmont Abbey College, Liberty University, and the University of Austin Texas. Additionally, organizations like FIRE give free speech rankings.
- Beware extracurriculars. Much of the debate world encourages ideological conformity and punishes dissenters. If you find yourself in a hostile extracurricular environment like this, be prepared, or better yet, find something else. Consider seeking out alternative organizations in your area. There are several conservative debate leagues available to homeschoolers throughout the country, for example.
- Look into alternative education methods. After finishing three college courses in four months, I discovered that much of the time spent in high school is unnecessary. At American Heritage, it would have taken me a year to earn the same credits. Options like dual enrollment can save you time, money, and effort.
- Have a life outside of school. My parents made sure that school was a priority in my life, but it was never the only one. We are heavily involved in our local church and have a strong community. When school was taken away from me, I was able to lean on my friends, family, and church.
- Be wary of prepaid tuition. My family paid American Heritage early for the second semester. Obviously, that investment fell through and we lost thousands. You may have more bargaining power after not receiving what you paid for, but the school may still come after you legally for the funds.
- Be grateful. My parents continue to spend countless hours and days resolving this issue. Thankfully, my mother was able to have me enrolled at the last minute to complete my high-school credits, ensuring my path to graduation and college. She is a testament to my parents’ dedication and the reason I attend college.
Conclusion
I am writing this in March 2024 and I am prospering. Despite everything that happened, I am succeeding academically, socially, and spiritually. However, another student in my circumstance may not have been as lucky. If I had not applied to the right colleges or not had the family I do, I would not be where I am. The truth is that discrimination based on ideology and religion is legal in the United States, especially in education. School choice allows students across the country to receive a better education. However, that is not enough, and educational freedom must be protected. Otherwise, more students will be canceled and that is not a fate I would wish on my enemies.
