Amending the Education Clause of the Colorado Constitution
Right2Learn believes that everyone deserves an education that affirms their human dignity and worth.
A research group now in its 16th year of existence, we study how a person’s sense of value is generated via their personal learning experiences that recognize and cultivate their mind, humanity, and potential.
As an organic expression of our scholarly commitment, we are leading a campaign to amend our state’s 145 year-old education clause and replace it with the language of human dignity. Together, we are fighting to secure a fundamental right to education that centralizes our inherent worth as human beings.
Amending the education clause will open the door for Colorado educators and parents to strengthen our communities, by cultivating spaces that empower students to unlock their potential, and see and consciously care for one another’s humanity. Together, we can realize meaningful change that fulfills the promise of freedom, justice, and peace for current and future generations.
The Education Clause of the Colorado Constitution
As It Is
Since 1876
“The general assembly shall, as soon as practicable, provide for the establishment and maintenance of a thorough and uniform system of free public schools throughout the state, wherein all residents of the state, between the ages of six and twenty-one years, may be educated gratuitously. One or more public schools shall be maintained in each school district within the state, at least three months in each year; any school district failing to have such school shall not be entitled to receive any portion of the school fund for that year.”
As It Could Be
Post CO Legislative Council (April 5th, 2024)
R2L Candidate Amendment
The Colorado General Assembly shall provide for the establishment and maintenance of
a high-quality system of free public schools throughout the state, wherein all residents of the state, between the ages of six and twenty-one years, may be educated gratuitously. One or more public schools shall be maintained in each school district within the state, at least 160 days in each year; any school district failing to have such school shall not be entitled to receive any portion of the school fund for that year.
Education is a fundamental human right; it is necessary for the fulfillment of freedom, justice, and peace. The Colorado General Assembly shall respect this right. Public schools are sanctuaries, places where the dignity of the human person is inviolate. Students in public schools are entitled to safe and healthy learning environments.
Education must strengthen the individual and the community, it must foster agency rather than servitude. It is the duty of the Colorado General Assembly to ensure that the public schools are havens for learning and growth, crucibles for inquiry and experimentation, and forums for dialogue and dissent. The public schools must enable human flourishing by providing effective teaching, compassionate guidance, and ongoing opportunities for students to meaningfully participate in their education.
