America First Roundtable: Breaking the Education Cartel
Jul 24, 2025, 10:30AM
School Choice, Parental Rights & Education Reform Take Center Stage
The America First Policy Institute hosted another America First Roundtable Event, bringing together bold leaders, education reformers, and rising voices to celebrate a movement that is reshaping American education. From landmark school choice wins to parental rights and the dismantling of the education cartel, the event marked a critical milestone in reclaiming the future for American families.
Key Speakers & Highlights
The event began with a powerful reflection on the achievements of the Trump administration and the America First movement:
“President Trump has literally saved the country—and probably saved the planet while he was at it.” – Martin Gillespie
AFPI Executive Vice President Martin Gillespie celebrated policy victories, including defunding Planned Parenthood, ending taxpayer funding for NPR/PBS, and restoring dignity for forgotten Americans—like removing taxes on tips and Social Security.
Erika Donalds, Chair of Education Opportunity, AFPI
A mother, education advocate, and policy leader, Erika Donalds energized the crowd with her message of hope and progress:
“These reforms and breaking the education cartel mean something to parents and students… We’re changing the lives of so many children, families, and teachers.”
Donalds emphasized that universal school choice has expanded from 0 to 17 states in just three years and boldly stated:
“President Trump is the School Choice President.”
Jovan Davis, Jr., 11th grade student
One of the most inspiring moments came from high school student Jovan Davis, Jr., who shared how school choice transformed his life:
“Friendship Tech Prep has been more than just a place of learning—it’s been a foundation for my growth both academically and personally.”
He maintains a 4.0 GPA, participates in leadership clubs, and aspires to return as a math teacher.
“School choice makes this possible... I stand here today as proof of what’s possible when students are placed in the right schools.”
Heather Duley, Classical Educator & Homeschool Mom
Duley spoke candidly about how school choice helped her rediscover her joy as an educator after she was told to teach to the test:
“We were no longer allowed to teach novels. We had to only...focus on improving the test scores. Y'all, it crushed my soul.”
She highlighted the life-changing benefits of virtual learning through Optima and called for support for teachers and families alike:
“It’s not just parents who want change—it’s the teachers too. Teachers need the ability to teach in ways that they see fit.”
Her daughter Kayleigh added:
“VR is a great way to learn because it’s immersive. And the delinquents can’t ruin the class for everyone.”
Lindsey Burke, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Education
Burke laid out the aggressive pace of reform under Secretary Linda McMahon’s leadership, celebrating the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3):
“We now have a federal tax credit scholarship, a $20K 529 plan expansion, and 56% of kids nationally are now eligible for private school choice.”
She underscored the return of power to the states and the department’s new focus on literacy, merit-based funding, AI oversight, and ending DEI incentives:
“Seventy percent of kids can’t read proficiently. I mean, this is really a crisis, a national crisis.”
Policy Wins & Forward Momentum
- Bill to revoke the NEA’s federal charter
- 17 states with universal school choice
- Federal tax credit scholarships now in law
- 529 plan expansion to include online and homeschool options
- Dismantling underway at the Department of Education
- Focus shift to parental rights, literacy, and school safety
The Verdict: The Future is Bright
As AFPI Interim Chief Executive Officer Greg Sindelar said in closing:
“Based on what we heard today, the children of America are in good hands. The future is bright.”
Stay in the fight: Follow the progress, support these reforms, and join the America First movement to put students, families, and freedom first.