Proclamation on Arkansas Parental Choice Week

WHEREAS:  All children in Arkansas should have access to the highest-quality education possible;

WHEREAS:  Arkansas recognizes the important role that an effective education plays in preparing all students in this state to be successful adults and not trapped in a lifetime of poverty;

WHEREAS:  Quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of Arkansas;

WHEREAS:  Arkansas is home to a multitude of high-quality public and nonpublic schools from which parents can choose for their children, in addition to families who educate their children in the home; 

WHEREAS:  Educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy, but also enhances the vibrancy of our community;

WHEREAS:  Arkansas has many high-quality teaching professionals in all types of school settings who are committed to educating our children;

WHEREAS:  Education reform will be the hallmark of my administration through the Arkansas LEARNS initiative, which prioritizes Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking, and School Safety;

WHEREAS:  In this state, parents can no longer be an afterthought in education because they are the foundation to a child’s success;

WHEREAS:  Parents should have the right to choose the schools that’s best for their child—whether it is public, private, parochial, or homeschool;

WHEREAS:  School Choice Week, which should be called “Parental Choice Week,” is celebrated across the country by millions of students, parents, educators, schools, and organizations to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as the Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby recognize January 22 through January 28, 2023, as “Arkansas Parental Choice Week,” and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 23rd day of January, in the year of our Lord 2023.