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The Arguments Why Education Should Be Free for Everyone

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Words: 854 |

Published: Mar 18, 2021

Words: 854 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited:

• Alpha History. (n.d.). Nationalism as a cause of World War I.
• Bernhardi, F. von. (1914). Germany and the Next War. London: Edward Arnold.
• Cawley, J. (n.d.). Nationalism as the cause of European competitiveness that led to World War I.
• History Home. (n.d.). The causes of World War One. Retrieved from https://www.historyhome.co.uk/europe/causeww1.htm
• Rosenthal, L. (2016). The great war, nationalism and the decline of the West. Retrieved from https://lawrencerosenthal.net/2016/05/16/the-great-war-nationalism-and-the-decline-of-the-west/
• Bloy, M. (n.d.). Nationalism in the 19th century. Retrieved from https://www.historyhome.co.uk/europe/natquest.htm

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Why Education Should Be Free: Exploring the Benefits for a Progressive Society

Written by Dan

Last updated February 13, 2024

The question of whether education, particularly higher education, should be free is a continuing debate marked by a multitude of opinions and perspectives.

Education stands as one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal advancement, and making it accessible to all could have profound impacts on a nation’s economic growth and social fabric.

Proponents of tuition-free education argue that it could create a better-educated workforce, improve the livelihoods of individuals, and contribute to overall economic prosperity.

However, the implementation of such a system carries complexity and considerations that spark considerable discourse among policymakers, educators, and the public.

Related : For more, check out our article on  The #1 Problem In Education  here.

Within the debate on free education lies a range of considerations, including the significant economic benefits it might confer.

A well-educated populace can be the driving force behind innovation, entrepreneurship, and a competitive global stance, according to research.

Moreover, social and cultural benefits are also cited by advocates, who see free higher education as a stepping stone towards greater societal well-being and equality.

Nevertheless, the challenges in implementing free higher education often center around fiscal sustainability, the potential for increased taxes, and the restructuring of existing educational frameworks.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Free higher education could serve as a critical driver of economic growth and innovation.
• It may contribute to social equality and cultural enrichment across communities.
• Implementation of tuition-free higher education requires careful consideration of economic and structural challenges.

Related : For more, check out our article on  AI In Education  here.

The Economic Benefits of Free Education

Free education carries the potential for significant economic impact, notably by fostering a more qualified workforce and alleviating financial strains associated with higher education.

Boosting the Workforce with Skilled Workers

Free education initiatives can lead to a rise in college enrollment and graduation rates, as seen in various studies and practical implementations.

This translates into a larger pool of skilled workers entering the workforce, which is critical for the sustained growth of the economy. With more educated individuals, industries can innovate faster and remain competitive on a global scale.

The subsequent increase in productivity and creative problem-solving bolsters the country’s economic profile.

Reducing Student Loan Debt and Financial Insecurity

One of the most immediate effects of tuition-free education is the reduction of student loan debt . Students who graduate without the burden of debt have more financial freedom and security, enabling them to contribute economically through higher consumer spending and investments.

This financial relief also means that graduates can potentially enter the housing market earlier and save for retirement, both of which are beneficial for long-term economic stability.

Reducing this financial insecurity not only benefits individual lives but also creates a positive ripple effect throughout the economy.

Related : For more, check out our article on  Teaching For Understanding  here.

Social and Cultural Impacts

Free education stands as a cornerstone for a more equitable society, providing a foundation for individuals to reach their full potential without the barrier of cost.

It fosters an inclusive culture where access to knowledge and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society are viewed as inalienable rights.

Creating Equality and Expanding Choices

Free education mitigates the socioeconomic disparities that often dictate the quality and level of education one can attain.

When tuition fees are eliminated, individuals from lower-income families are afforded the same educational opportunities as their wealthier counterparts, leading to a more level playing field .

Expanding educational access enables all members of society to pursue a wider array of careers and life paths, broadening personal choices and promoting a diverse workforce.

Free Education as a Human Right

Recognizing education as a human right underpins the movement for free education. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that all children should have access to a quality, inclusive, and free education.

This aligns with international agreements and the belief that education is not a privilege but a right that should be safeguarded for all, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status.

Redistributions within society can function to finance the institutions necessary to uphold this right, leading to long-term cultural and social benefits.

Challenges and Considerations for Implementation

Implementing free education systems presents a complex interplay of economic and academic factors. Policymakers must confront these critical issues to develop sustainable and effective programs.

Balancing Funding and Taxpayer Impact

Funding for free education programs primarily depends on the allocation of government resources, which often requires tax adjustments .

Legislators need to strike a balance between providing sufficient funding for education and maintaining a level of taxation that does not overburden the taxpayers .

Studies like those from The Balance provide insight into the economic implications, indicating a need for careful analysis to avoid unintended financial consequences.

Ensuring Quality in Free Higher Education Programs

Merit and quality assurance become paramount in free college programs to ensure that the value of education does not diminish. Programs need structured oversight and performance metrics to maintain high academic standards.

Free college systems, by extending access, may risk over-enrollment, which can strain resources and reduce educational quality if not managed correctly.

Global Perspectives and Trends in Free Education

In the realm of education, several countries have adopted policies to make learning accessible at no cost to the student. These efforts often aim to enhance social mobility and create a more educated workforce.

Case Studies: Argentina and Sweden

Argentina has long upheld the principle of free university education for its citizens. Public universities in Argentina do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate courses, emphasizing the country’s commitment to accessible education.

This policy supports a key tenet of social justice, allowing a wide range of individuals to pursue higher education regardless of their financial situation.

In comparison, Sweden represents a prime example of advanced free education within Europe. Swedish universities offer free education not only to Swedish students but also to those from other countries within the European Union (EU).

For Swedes, this extends to include secondary education, which is also offered at no cost. Sweden’s approach exemplifies a commitment to educational equality and a well-informed citizenry.

International Approaches to Tuition-Free College

Examining the broader international landscape , there are diverse approaches to implementing tuition-free higher education.

For instance, some European countries like Spain have not entirely eliminated tuition fees but have kept them relatively low compared to the global average. These measures still align with the overarching goal of making education more accessible.

In contrast, there have been discussions and proposals in the United States about adopting tuition-free college programs, reflecting a growing global trend.

While the United States has not federally mandated free college education, there are initiatives, such as the Promise Programs, that offer tuition-free community college to eligible students in certain states, showcasing a step towards more inclusive educational opportunities.

Policy and Politics of Tuition-Free Education

The debate surrounding tuition-free education encompasses a complex interplay of bipartisan support and legislative efforts, with community colleges frequently at the policy’s epicenter.

Both ideological and financial considerations shape the trajectory of higher education policy in this context.

Bipartisan Support and Political Challenges

Bipartisan support for tuition-free education emerges from a recognition of community colleges as vital access points for higher education, particularly for lower-income families.

Initiatives such as the College Promise campaign reflect this shared commitment to removing economic barriers to education. However, political challenges persist, with Republicans often skeptical about the long-term feasibility and impact on the federal budget.

Such divisions underscore the politicized nature of the education discourse, situating it as a central issue in policy-making endeavors.

Legislative Framework and Higher Education Policy

The legislative framework for tuition-free education gained momentum under President Biden with the introduction of the American Families Plan .

This plan proposed substantial investments in higher education, particularly aimed at bolstering the role of community colleges. Central to this policy is the pledge to cover up to two years of tuition for eligible students.

The proposal reflects a significant step in reimagining higher education policy, though it requires navigating the intricacies of legislative procedures and fiscally conservative opposition to translate into actionable policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common queries regarding the prospect of free college education, its impact, and practical considerations for implementation.

What are the most compelling arguments for making college education free?

The most compelling arguments for tuition-free college highlight the removal of financial barriers, potential to increase social mobility, and a long-term investment in a more educated workforce , which can lead to economic growth.

How could the government implement free education policies without sacrificing quality?

To implement free education without compromising quality, governments need to ensure sustainable funding, invest in faculty, and enable effective administration. Such measures aim to maintain high standards while extending access.

In countries with free college education, what has been the impact on their economies and societies?

Countries with free college education have observed various impacts, including a more educated populace , increased rates of innovation, and in some instances, stronger economic growth due to a skilled workforce.

How does free education affect the accessibility and inclusivity of higher education?

Free education enhances accessibility and inclusivity by leveling the educational playing field, allowing students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue higher education regardless of their financial capability.

What potential downsides exist to providing free college education to all students?

Potential downsides include the strain on governmental budgets, the risk of oversaturating certain job markets, and the possibility that the value of a degree may diminish if too many people obtain one without a corresponding increase in jobs requiring higher education.

How might free education be funded, and what are the financial implications for taxpayers?

Free education would likely be funded through taxation, and its financial implications for taxpayers could range from increased taxes to reprioritization of existing budget funds. The scale of any potential tax increase would depend on the cost of the education programs and the economic benefits they’re anticipated to produce.

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About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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Should College Be Free? The Pros and Cons

Types of Publicly Funded College Tuition Programs

Pros: why college should be free, cons: why college should not be free, what the free college debate means for students, how to cut your college costs now, frequently asked questions (faqs).

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Americans have been debating the wisdom of free college for decades, and more than 30 states now offer some type of free college program. But it wasn't until 2021 that a nationwide free college program came close to becoming reality, re-energizing a longstanding debate over whether or not free college is a good idea. 

And despite a setback for the free-college advocates, the idea is still in play. The Biden administration's free community college proposal was scrapped from the American Families Plan . But close observers say that similar proposals promoting free community college have drawn solid bipartisan support in the past. "Community colleges are one of the relatively few areas where there's support from both Republicans and Democrats," said Tulane economics professor Douglas N. Harris, who has previously consulted with the Biden administration on free college, in an interview with The Balance. 

To get a sense of the various arguments for and against free college, as well as the potential impacts on U.S. students and taxpayers, The Balance combed through studies investigating the design and implementation of publicly funded free tuition programs and spoke with several higher education policy experts. Here's what we learned about the current debate over free college in the U.S.—and more about how you can cut your college costs or even get free tuition through existing programs.

Key Takeaways

• Research shows free tuition programs encourage more students to attend college and increase graduation rates, which creates a better-educated workforce and higher-earning consumers who can help boost the economy. 
• Some programs are criticized for not paying students’ non-tuition expenses, not benefiting students who need assistance most, or steering students toward community college instead of four-year programs.  
• If you want to find out about free programs in your area, the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education has a searchable database. You’ll find the link further down in this article. 

Before diving into the weeds of the free college debate, it's important to note that not all free college programs are alike. Most publicly funded tuition assistance programs are restricted to the first two years of study, typically at community colleges. Free college programs also vary widely in the ways they’re designed, funded, and structured:

• Last-dollar tuition-free programs : These programs cover any remaining tuition after a student has used up other financial aid , such as Pell Grants. Most state-run free college programs fall into this category. However, these programs don’t typically help with room and board or other expenses.
• First-dollar tuition-free programs : These programs pay for students' tuition upfront, although they’re much rarer than last-dollar programs. Any remaining financial aid that a student receives can then be applied to other expenses, such as books and fees. The California College Promise Grant is a first-dollar program because it waives enrollment fees for eligible students.
• Debt-free programs : These programs pay for all of a student's college expenses , including room and board, guaranteeing that they can graduate debt-free. But they’re also much less common, likely due to their expense.  

Proponents often argue that publicly funded college tuition programs eventually pay for themselves, in part by giving students the tools they need to find better jobs and earn higher incomes than they would with a high school education. The anticipated economic impact, they suggest, should help ease concerns about the costs of public financing education. Here’s a closer look at the arguments for free college programs.

A More Educated Workforce Benefits the Economy

Morley Winograd, President of the Campaign for Free College Tuition, points to the economic and tax benefits that result from the higher wages of college grads. "For government, it means more revenue," said Winograd in an interview with The Balance—the more a person earns, the more they will likely pay in taxes . In addition, "the country's economy gets better because the more skilled the workforce this country has, the better [it’s] able to compete globally." Similarly, local economies benefit from a more highly educated, better-paid workforce because higher earners have more to spend. "That's how the economy grows," Winograd explained, “by increasing disposable income."

According to Harris, the return on a government’s investment in free college can be substantial. "The additional finding of our analysis was that these things seem to consistently pass a cost-benefit analysis," he said. "The benefits seem to be at least double the cost in the long run when we look at the increased college attainment and the earnings that go along with that, relative to the cost and the additional funding and resources that go into them." 

Free College Programs Encourage More Students to Attend

Convincing students from underprivileged backgrounds to take a chance on college can be a challenge, particularly when students are worried about overextending themselves financially. But free college programs tend to have more success in persuading students to consider going, said Winograd, in part because they address students' fears that they can't afford higher education . "People who wouldn't otherwise think that they could go to college, or who think the reason they can't is [that] it's too expensive, [will] stop, pay attention, listen, decide it's an opportunity they want to take advantage of, and enroll," he said.

According to Harris, students also appear to like the certainty and simplicity of the free college message. "They didn't want to have to worry that next year they were not going to have enough money to pay their tuition bill," he said. "They don't know what their finances are going to look like a few months down the road, let alone next year, and it takes a while to get a degree. So that matters." 

Free college programs can also help send "a clear and tangible message" to students and their families that a college education is attainable for them, said Michelle Dimino, an Education Director with Third Way. This kind of messaging is especially important to first-generation and low-income students, she said. 

Free College Increases Graduation Rates and Financial Security

Free tuition programs appear to improve students’ chances of completing college. For example, Harris noted that his research found a meaningful link between free college tuition and higher graduation rates. "What we found is that it did increase college graduation at the two-year college level, so more students graduated than otherwise would have." 

Free college tuition programs also give people a better shot at living a richer, more comfortable life, say advocates. "It's almost an economic necessity to have some college education," noted Winograd. Similar to the way a high school diploma was viewed as crucial in the 20th century, employees are now learning that they need at least two years of college to compete in a global, information-driven economy. "Free community college is a way of making that happen quickly, effectively, and essentially," he explained. 

Free community college isn’t a universally popular idea. While many critics point to the potential costs of funding such programs, others identify issues with the effectiveness and fairness of current attempts to cover students’ college tuition. Here’s a closer look at the concerns about free college programs.

It Would Be Too Expensive

The idea of free community college has come under particular fire from critics who worry about the cost of social spending. Since community colleges aren't nearly as expensive as four-year colleges—often costing thousands of dollars a year—critics argue that individuals can often cover their costs using other forms of financial aid . But, they point out, community college costs would quickly add up when paid for in bulk through a free college program: Biden’s proposed free college plan would have cost $49.6 billion in its first year, according to an analysis from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Some opponents argue that the funds could be put to better use in other ways, particularly by helping students complete their degrees.

Free College Isn't Really Free

One of the most consistent concerns that people have voiced about free college programs is that they don’t go far enough. Even if a program offers free tuition, students will need to find a way to pay for other college-related expenses , such as books, room and board, transportation, high-speed internet, and, potentially, child care. "Messaging is such a key part of this," said Dimino. Students "may apply or enroll in college, understanding it's going to be free, but then face other unexpected charges along the way." 

It's important for policymakers to consider these factors when designing future free college programs. Otherwise, Dimino and other observers fear that students could potentially wind up worse off if they enroll and invest in attending college and then are forced to drop out due to financial pressures. 

Free College Programs Don’t Help the Students Who Need Them Most

Critics point out that many free college programs are limited by a variety of quirks and restrictions, which can unintentionally shut out deserving students or reward wealthier ones. Most state-funded free college programs are last-dollar programs, which don’t kick in until students have applied financial aid to their tuition. That means these programs offer less support to low-income students who qualify for need-based aid—and more support for higher-income students who don’t.

Community College May Not Be the Best Path for All Students

Some critics also worry that all students will be encouraged to attend community college when some would have been better off at a four-year institution. Four-year colleges tend to have more resources than community colleges and can therefore offer more support to high-need students. 

In addition, some research has shown that students at community colleges are less likely to be academically successful than students at four-year colleges, said Dimino. "Statistically, the data show that there are poorer outcomes for students at community colleges […] such as lower graduation rates and sometimes low transfer rates from two- to four-year schools." 

With Congress focused on other priorities, a nationwide free college program is unlikely to happen anytime soon. However, some states and municipalities offer free tuition programs, so students may be able to access some form of free college, depending on where they live. A good resource is the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education’s searchable database of Promise Programs , which lists more than 100 free community college programs, though the majority are limited to California residents.

In the meantime, school leaders and policymakers may shift their focus to other access and equity interventions for low-income students. For example, higher education experts Eileen Strempel and Stephen Handel published a book in 2021 titled "Beyond Free College: Making Higher Education Work for 21st Century Students." The book argues that policymakers should focus more strongly on college completion, not just college access. "There hasn't been enough laser-focus on how we actually get people to complete their degrees," noted Strempel in an interview with The Balance. 

Rather than just improving access for low-income college students, Strempel and Handel argue that decision-makers should instead look more closely at the social and economic issues that affect students , such as food and housing insecurity, child care, transportation, and personal technology. For example, "If you don't have a computer, you don't have access to your education anymore," said Strempel. "It's like today's pencil."

Saving money on college costs can be challenging, but you can take steps to reduce your cost of living. For example, if you're interested in a college but haven't yet enrolled, pay close attention to where it's located and how much residents typically pay for major expenses, such as housing, utilities, and food. If the college is located in a high-cost area, it could be tough to justify the living expenses you'll incur. Similarly, if you plan to commute, take the time to check gas or public transportation prices and calculate how much you'll likely have to spend per month to go to and from campus several times a week. 

Now that more colleges offer classes online, it may also be worth looking at lower-cost programs in areas that are farther from where you live, particularly if they allow you to graduate without setting foot on campus. Also, check out state and federal financial aid programs that can help you slim down your expenses, or, in some cases, pay for them completely. Finally, look into need-based and merit-based grants and scholarships that can help you cover even more of your expenses. Also, consider applying to no-loan colleges , which promise to help students graduate without going into debt.

Should community college be free?

It’s a big question with varying viewpoints. Supporters of free community college cite the economic contributions of a more educated workforce and the individual benefit of financial security, while critics caution against the potential expense and the inefficiency of last-dollar free college programs. 

What states offer free college?

More than 30 states offer some type of tuition-free college program, including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington State. The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education lists over 100 last-dollar community college programs and 16 first-dollar community college programs, though the majority are limited to California residents.

Is there a free college?

There is no such thing as a truly free college education. But some colleges offer free tuition programs for students, and more than 30 states offer some type of tuition-free college program. In addition, students may also want to check out employer-based programs. A number of big employers now offer to pay for their employees' college tuition . Finally, some students may qualify for enough financial aid or scholarships to cover most of their college costs.

Scholarships360. " Which States Offer Tuition-Free Community College? "

The White House. “ Build Back Better Framework ,” see “Bringing Down Costs, Reducing Inflationary Pressures, and Strengthening the Middle Class.”

The White House. “ Fact Sheet: How the Build Back Better Plan Will Create a Better Future for Young Americans ,” see “Education and Workforce Opportunities.”

Coast Community College District. “ California College Promise Grant .”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “ The Dollars and Cents of Free College ,” see “Biden’s Free College Plan Would Pay for Itself Within 10 Years.”

Third Way. “ Why Free College Could Increase Inequality .”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “ The Dollars and Cents of Free College ,” see “Free-College Programs Have Different Effects on Race and Class Equity.”

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. “ College Promise Programs: A Comprehensive Catalog of College Promise Programs in the United States .”

Essay on Education Should Be Free

Students are often asked to write an essay on Education Should Be Free in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Education Should Be Free

Introduction.

Education is a fundamental right for everyone. It shapes our future, helps us develop skills, and broadens our perspectives. Therefore, education should be free for all.

The Importance of Free Education

Free education ensures everyone gets a fair chance to learn. It reduces inequality as it’s accessible to all, regardless of financial status.

Benefits to Society

A society with educated individuals thrives better. They contribute to the economy, innovation, and progress. Free education can fuel this growth.

In conclusion, free education is a powerful tool for societal progress and individual growth. It should be a priority for all nations.

250 Words Essay on Education Should Be Free

The concept of free education.

Education, a fundamental human right, is often considered a stepping stone towards personal development and societal progress. The concept of free education is an appealing proposition, particularly when considering the vast disparities in educational access and quality worldwide.

Economic Perspectives

From an economic viewpoint, free education can be seen as an investment in human capital. It could potentially stimulate economic growth by creating a more educated, skilled workforce. Additionally, it can help reduce the socioeconomic gap, enabling individuals from all backgrounds to secure better employment opportunities and contribute more effectively to the economy.

Societal Implications

On a societal level, free education can foster equality, inclusivity, and social mobility. It provides everyone, irrespective of their financial status, with equal opportunities to learn, grow, and advance. Moreover, it has the potential to mitigate social issues such as crime and poverty, which are often linked to educational inequality.

Potential Challenges

However, implementing free education presents its own set of challenges. It requires significant public funding, which could strain national budgets. Furthermore, it necessitates careful planning and execution to ensure quality and efficiency are not compromised.

In conclusion, while free education is an ideal worth striving for, it demands careful consideration of its economic implications and potential societal impacts. A balanced approach, considering both the benefits and challenges, is crucial for its successful implementation.

500 Words Essay on Education Should Be Free

The essence of free education.

Education is a fundamental human right, a path to personal growth, and a stepping stone towards societal development. It is the key to creating, applying, and disseminating knowledge, thereby contributing to the cultural, social, and economic advancement of a society. The proposition of free education, however, is a contentious one, sparking debates globally.

The Social Perspective

From a social perspective, free education can be seen as a leveller, an opportunity to eradicate socio-economic disparities. It can ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, has an equal chance to learn, grow, and contribute to society. The current system, where education is often a privilege of the wealthy, perpetuates inequality. Free education can break this cycle, fostering a more equitable society.

Economic Implications

From an economic standpoint, free education can be a significant investment in human capital. Education is directly linked to economic growth – a more educated workforce tends to be more productive, innovative, and capable of adapting to new technologies and challenges. Free education can lead to a larger, more skilled labor pool, potentially boosting economic productivity and competitiveness.

The Question of Quality

However, a significant concern is the potential compromise on the quality of education. With no tuition fees, the financial resources available to educational institutions may be limited, potentially affecting the quality of education. To counter this, governments can explore alternative funding mechanisms, such as progressive taxation. Additionally, investment in education should not be viewed as a cost but as a long-term investment that will yield substantial societal returns.

The Role of Digital Technology

Digital technology can play a pivotal role in making education universally accessible and affordable. Online learning platforms can democratize education, making high-quality resources available to everyone, irrespective of their geographical location or financial status. However, this also necessitates investment in digital infrastructure and measures to bridge the digital divide.

Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift

In conclusion, making education free is not just about removing financial barriers; it’s about a paradigm shift in how we view education. It’s about recognizing education as a public good, a collective responsibility, and a cornerstone of a fair society. It’s about investing in our future, knowing that the returns – a more equitable society, a more robust economy, and a more informed citizenry – are well worth it.

While the road to free education is fraught with challenges, the potential benefits to society are immense. It is an idea worth exploring, debating, and, if possible, implementing. The journey may be long and arduous, but the destination – a world where every individual has an equal chance to learn and grow – is a vision worth striving for.

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What you need to know about the right to education

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that education is a fundamental human right for everyone and this right was further detailed in the Convention against Discrimination in Education. What exactly does that mean?

Why is education a fundamental human right?

The right to education is a human right and indispensable for the exercise of other human rights.

• Quality education aims to ensure the development of a fully-rounded human being.
• It is one of the most powerful tools in lifting socially excluded children and adults out of poverty and into society. UNESCO data shows that if all adults completed secondary education, globally the number of poor people could be reduced by more than half.
• It narrows the gender gap for girls and women. A UN study showed that each year of schooling reduces the probability of infant mortality by 5 to 10 per cent.
• For this human right to work there must be equality of opportunity, universal access, and enforceable and monitored quality standards.

What does the right to education entail?

• Primary education that is free, compulsory and universal
• Secondary education, including technical and vocational, that is generally available, accessible to all and progressively free
• Higher education, accessible to all on the basis of individual capacity and progressively free
• Fundamental education for individuals who have not completed education
• Professional training opportunities
• Equal quality of education through minimum standards
• Quality teaching and supplies for teachers
• Adequate fellowship system and material condition for teaching staff
• Freedom of choice

What is the current situation?

• About 258 million children and youth are out of school, according to UIS data for the school year ending in 2018. The total includes 59 million children of primary school age, 62 million of lower secondary school age and 138 million of upper secondary age.

155 countries legally guarantee 9 years or more of compulsory education

• Only 99 countries legally guarantee at least 12 years of free education
• 8.2% of primary school age children does not go to primary school  Only six in ten young people will be finishing secondary school in 2030 The youth literacy rate (15-24) is of 91.73%, meaning 102 million youth lack basic literacy skills.

  How is the right to education ensured?

The right to education is established by two means - normative international instruments and political commitments by governments. A solid international framework of conventions and treaties exist to protect the right to education and States that sign up to them agree to respect, protect and fulfil this right.

How does UNESCO work to ensure the right to education?

UNESCO develops, monitors and promotes education norms and standards to guarantee the right to education at country level and advance the aims of the Education 2030 Agenda. It works to ensure States' legal obligations are reflected in national legal frameworks and translated into concrete policies.

• Monitoring the implementation of the right to education at country level
• Supporting States to establish solid national frameworks creating the legal foundation and conditions for sustainable quality education for all
• Advocating on the right to education principles and legal obligations through research and studies on key issues
• Maintaining global online tools on the right to education
• Enhancing capacities, reporting mechanisms and awareness on key challenges
• Developing partnerships and networks around key issues

  How is the right to education monitored and enforced by UNESCO?

• UNESCO's Constitution requires Member States to regularly report on measures to implement standard-setting instruments at country level through regular consultations.
• Through collaboration with UN human rights bodies, UNESCO addresses recommendations to countries to improve the situation of the right to education at national level.
• Through the dedicated online Observatory , UNESCO takes stock of the implementation of the right to education in 195 States.
• Through its interactive Atlas , UNESCO monitors the implementation right to education of girls and women in countries
• Based on its monitoring work, UNESCO provides technical assistance and policy advice to Member States that seek to review, develop, improve and reform their legal and policy frameworks.

What happens if States do not fulfil obligations?

• International human rights instruments have established a solid normative framework for the right to education. This is not an empty declaration of intent as its provisions are legally binding. All countries in the world have ratified at least one treaty covering certain aspects of the right to education. This means that all States are held to account, through legal mechanisms.
• Enforcement of the right to education: At international level, human rights' mechanisms are competent to receive individual complaints and have settled right to education breaches this way.
• Justiciability of the right to education: Where their right to education has been violated, citizens must be able to have legal recourse before the law courts or administrative tribunals.

  What are the major challenges to ensure the right to education?

• Providing free and compulsory education to all
• 155 countries legally guarantee 9 years or more of compulsory education.
• Only 99 countries legally guarantee at least 12 years of free education.
• Eliminating inequalities and disparities in education

While only 4% of the poorest youth complete upper secondary school in low-income countries, 36% of the richest do. In lower-middle-income countries, the gap is even wider: while only 14% of the poorest youth complete upper secondary school, 72% of the richest do.

• Migration and displacement

According to a 2019 UNHCR report, of the 7.1 million refugee children of school age, 3.7 million - more than half - do not go to school. 

• Privatization and its impact on the right to education

States need to strike a balance between educational freedom and ensuring everyone receives a quality education.

• Financing of education

The Education 2030 Agenda requires States to allocate at least 4-6 per cent of GDP and/or at least 15-20 per cent of public expenditure to education.

• Quality imperatives and valuing the teaching profession

Two-thirds of the estimated 617 million children and adolescents who cannot read a simple sentence or manage a basic mathematics calculation are in the classroom.

• Say no to discrimination in education! - #RightToEducation campaign

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HerAtlas: Monitoring the right to education for girls and women HerAtlas: Background, rationale and objectives 12 March 2024

HerAtlas: Monitoring the right to education for girls and women HerAtlas: Disclaimer and terms of use 12 March 2024

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Argumentative Essay: Free Education

The USA doesn’t have free education for students, at least at the higher levels. Much has been made about increasing levels of debt. Some people have even called for the introduction of free education. This would be a major mistake. It would decrease personal freedoms for much of the general population, reduce quality, and send the wrong message to students. This essay will explain why.

Firstly, someone has to pay for education. It’s physically impossible to deliver quality education while charging students nothing. Someone has to pay for it. If it isn’t students taking care of their responsibilities, it’s taxpayers who already pay for the substantial grants and scholarships awarded to students every year. It’s wrong to place this burden on the general population for a decision entirely resting on the individual’s shoulders.

Making education free would mean the money has to be found from elsewhere. The only options available to the government would be to raise taxes or cut services elsewhere. It’s no fairer to cut other vital services than it is to make students pay for education. It doesn’t solve the problem, it only shifts the problem onto another part of the population.

Increasing taxes to pay for education reduces personal freedoms. Economic freedom directly correlates with personal freedoms. By cutting disposable income through the raising of taxes, it reduces the options available for families across the country. Arguably, it’s selfish to do this because a minority group decides to go into higher education.

Some would argue making education free would open up colleges and universities to a greater number of students. This isn’t the case. Although education isn’t free now, this in no way means people are prohibited from entering higher education. Grants awarding achievement already exist for the best students. Furthermore, the vast majority of students can already receive student loans to pay for tuition and maintenance. There are no barriers to students entering higher education even without a free tuition system.

With the current student loan system, lenders are far more forgiving and the repayments are much lower than a conventional loan. The system already allows students to climb up the career ladder before they start to pay back significant amounts.

Cutting fees would also make it more difficult to continue to improve the standard of education within schools and colleges. If these institutions can’t make a profit from charging their students, they can only make enough to cover their maintenance costs. They can’t invest in themselves and boost standards. This would only lead to the continuing decline of American higher education facilities and make the country less attractive for international students.

Overall, it’s important to make students understand they have responsibilities and the onus rests on them to take care of these responsibilities. It’s wrong to place the burdens of others onto the general population. Cutting fees would bring benefits to students who don’t have to pay for their own education, but it would only lead to the general decline of the facilities they study at.

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Is free college a good idea? Increasingly, evidence says yes

Subscribe to the brown center on education policy newsletter, douglas n. harris douglas n. harris nonresident senior fellow - governance studies , brown center on education policy , professor and chair, department of economics - tulane university @douglasharris99.

May 10, 2021

• 10 min read

In just a few short years, the idea of free college has moved from a radical idea to mainstream Democratic thinking. President Biden made free college one of his core campaign planks , and one that the first lady has been promoting for years. In his recent address to Congress, the president also signaled that he is ready for legislative action on a scaled-back version of the idea as part of his American Families Plan .

Two weeks ago, the nonprofit College Promise (CP)—led by Martha Kanter, who served as President Obama’s undersecretary for education—also released a proposal that will influence the free college debate. (Full disclosure: I previously advised the Biden campaign and presently advise CP, but have received no compensation for these efforts.)

In today’s polarized environment, the free college idea stands out for its bipartisan support. A majority of self-identified Republicans has supported the notion of free college in some polls. In fact, one of the first such statewide programs was put in place by Bill Haslam, the former Republican governor of Tennessee. While this could go the way of Obamacare, which faced strong GOP congressional opposition despite the law’s origins with Republican Mitt Romney, free college seems different. Biden’s latest plan only applies to community colleges, which focus on career and vocational education of the sort Republicans support, as opposed to universities, which many Republicans view as hostile battlegrounds in a culture war.

But I am less interested in the politics than the evidence of effectiveness. I have studied college access for many years and run two randomized control trials of financial aid , which produced some of the first causal evidence on free college in Milwaukee. Two years ago, Brookings released the first installment of the Milwaukee work, which I carried out with a team of researchers. Since then, we have collected more data and learned more about how students responded over time. Below, I summarize our just-released study (co-authored with Jonathan Mills), compare our results to other financial aid programs, and then discuss implications for the Biden and CP proposals. Consequently, I conclude that the evidence increasingly favors free college and “open access aid” more generally.

What Did We Learn in Milwaukee?

I developed The Degree Project (TDP) in 2009 as a demonstration program in partnership between the nonprofit Ascendium (then known as the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation and Affiliates) and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). TDP offered all first-time 9 th graders in half of MPS high schools $12,000 for college as “last-dollar” aid. Students could use the funds for college if they graduated from high school on time with a GPA of 2.5 and a class attendance rate of 90%. Also, as is the norm with free college programs, students had to fill out the FAFSA and have at least one dollar of unmet need. The aid could be used to attend any of the 66 public, in-state, two- or four-year colleges in Wisconsin. Ascendium provided up to $31 million to fund the grant and, as the main program administrator, sent regular letters to remind students about the program and its requirements. The organization also worked with school counselors to support students becoming eligible for the funds and preparing for college.

TDP was announced to students in the fall of 2011. Using anonymized data, we then tracked students’ high school, college, and life outcomes for eight years, and we recently received data extending through when students were roughly 22 years old. As a rare randomized trial, we could estimate the effects by comparing the control and treatment group outcomes. Here is what we found:

• For students who met the performance requirements, the program increased graduation from two-year colleges by 3 percentage points . This might seem small, but the denominator here is comprised of low-income 9 th graders. Half of the control group did not even graduate from high school, let alone college. The effect amounts to a 25% increase in two-year degrees.
• The framing and design of the program as free two-year college changed student decisions in ways consistent with what free college advocates suggest. The $12,000 maximum award amount was selected because it was sufficient to cover tuition and fees for a two-year college degree. The fact that TDP made two-year college free, but only reduced the cost of four-year college, was clearly communicated to students. This appears to explain one of our main results: Student enrollments shifted from four-year to two-year colleges. This is noteworthy given that students could use the funds at either two- or four-year colleges. In fact, students likely would have been able to use more of the $12,000 if they had shifted to four-year colleges. The only plausible reason for shifting to two-year colleges is that they were really attracted to the idea of free college.
• The “early commitment” nature of the program had some modest positive effects on some high school outcomes . Students learned about TDP in their 9 th grade year, giving them time to change their high school behaviors and college plans. Although it did not improve high school academic achievement, we find that TDP increased college expectations and the steps students took to prepare for college. TDP recipients also reported working harder because of the program (even though this did not show up in the academic measures). This highlights the fact that free college might also help address not only college-going rates, but the long-term stagnancy in high school outcomes.
• The merit requirements undermined the program’s effectiveness . Though the 2.5 GPA and 90% attendance and other requirements were arguably modest, only 21% of eligible students ended up meeting them. So, they ended up excluding many students. We also tested the two main ways that the merit requirements could have been helpful: (a) merit requirements might provide incentives for students to work hard during high school and better prepare for college, and (b) merit requirements might target aid to students who respond to it most. We find no evidence of either benefit. While students did work harder (see point [3] above), this appears to be due to other elements of the program, not the merit requirements.

Overall, these results suggest that aid is most effective when it is “open access”—that is, aid with early commitment and free college framing, but no merit requirements.

What about the evidence beyond Milwaukee?

Our study also reviews other research on financial aid, including federal aid, state merit aid programs, and the newer “promise scholarship” programs that mimic free college. Our study is not alone in finding that financial aid improves student outcomes. In fact, the vast majority of the most rigorous studies find positive effects on college attendance and college graduation. Given the strong average benefits of college, we can expect follow-up studies to show effects on employment earnings, voting, and other outcomes.

What about the costs? Open access aid is more expensive to be sure. More students receive aid and the aid levels per students are larger than traditional financial aid. Is it worth it? Our analysis suggests it is. We carried out new cost-benefit analyses of multiple programs, including TDP, but also other actively studied programs in: Kalamazoo, Michigan; Knox County, Tennessee; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and one statewide program in Nebraska. We also used estimates of the average effects of aid taken from prior literature reviews. All of these programs pass a cost-benefit test. That is, the effects on college outcomes, and the effects of college outcomes on future earnings, is much larger than the cost to the government and society as a whole. Moreover, it appears that benefits-per-dollar-of-cost are at least as high with open access aid as with more restricted programs. This means that open access aid provides greater total benefits to the community as a whole.

Back to the Free College Proposals

What do these results mean for President Biden’s and CP’s proposals? The table below provides a side-by-side comparison. The main difference is the level of detail. This reflects that the CP plan was designed to align with, and flesh out, the Biden campaign proposal. Perhaps the only substantive difference is that the CP proposal (and the Milwaukee program) includes private colleges. The Biden campaign documents exclude private colleges, though the American Families Plan just says “free community college,” signaling alignment with the CP plan. Both proposals are clearly in the category of open access aid.

There are numerous similarities between these provisions and the Milwaukee program that my team and I studied. All three programs make two-year college free (or nearly so) for all students without income requirements and through early commitment of aid. All three require the FAFSA and high school graduation. Importantly, unlike both the Biden and CP proposals, the Milwaukee program had merit requirements, which undermined its success. This is partly why our evidence is so relevant to the current debate.

Some might wonder why the president has scaled back the proposal to just free community college. This reflects that the idea of free college—even the “scaled back” version—is such a marked departure from past policy, especially at the federal level. Free community college alone would still be arguably the largest shift in federal higher education policy in the past half-century.

Caveats and Concluding Thoughts

We cannot make policy from evidence alone, but it can and should play a key role. Sometimes, policy ideas have such limited evidence of effectiveness that it is difficult to make any plausible case for a large-scale, national program. In other cases, there is enough promise for pilot studies and competitive grants to establish efficacy. With free college, we seem to be well beyond that point. In addition to decades of results on general financial aid programs, we have a growing number of studies on state and local programs that all show positive evidence—the “laboratory of democracy” at work. The idea of a large, federal free-college program therefore has more and more credibility.

A decade ago, it was not at all obvious that this is what the evidence would show. There was really no evidence on free college programs when we started this project back in 2009. Also, there were good reasons to expect that such a large increase in aid would suffer from “diminishing returns”—the idea that the next dollar is less effective than the previous one. This could have made free college more costly than the benefits could justify. Now, we know better.

I do still worry a bit about other factors and challenges. For example, the above analyses can only capture the immediate effects of financial aid, yet a federal free college program is such a marked departure in policy that it could alter political and market forces operating on higher education in unpredictable ways, perhaps even lowering college spending and quality. Also, if the proposal remains focused on community colleges, then this will shift students out of four-year colleges and into colleges that currently have very low completion rates. There are also other ways to increase college affordability and access that do not require free college (e.g., increased Pell Grants and income-based loan repayment), some of which target funds more narrowly to the most disadvantaged students. And there are many details to be worked out as the president’s allies in Congress try to generate sufficient support without (a) sacrificing core principles, or (b) creating new problems that can arise when grafting new federal programs on to widely varying state contexts.

Still, it is not often that an idea comes around that addresses a widely acknowledged problem and has both research support and a fair degree of bipartisan political support. The stars seem aligned to make some form of national free college a reality. The more evidence we see, the more that would seem to be a step forward.

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Essay on Education Should Be Free

Essay on Education Should be Free: Education has the potential to be a powerful weapon for the people, but today, it is mostly governed by corruption. Education is the key to the development of any country. Even so, many people are unable to achieve it because of financial differences.

Education should be free in order to develop the country, so that it will move in the right direction. If education is free, then the country will begin to develop, leading the country in the right direction.

A well-informed citizen acts as a more productive citizen. Nearly every developed nation provides its citizens with free primary and secondary education.

Table of Contents

Essay On Education Should Be Free 150 Words

“EDUCATION” is a Sanskrit word meaning “to teach”, which means giving systematic instructions to pupils, especially at schools and universities. It is the best tool that can be used to lift people out of poverty and backward thinking.

A good education can teach others good manners, change the world, and enable us to advance in all areas of our lives. It is what makes us unique from other species.

Education increases our knowledge of things, it empowers us, it makes us better human beings. It also makes us more compassionate. It instills humanity in us. I believe that everyone should be educated so that they can be aware of their social and moral responsibilities.

In order to make a bright future, education should be free. Not everyone can afford it. It is unfortunate that schools and colleges charge high fees. This makes students prefer to work over getting an education. There are several measures that need to be taken by the government, such as making education free to all.

We can change the world by using education. It can help us alter the mindset of people. Additionally, it can help us eliminate corruption from our society.

Unfortunately, not everyone can get an education due to financial concerns. People who are struggling to feed their children, can’t afford it. They are left helpless and desperate.

The government should make education free for everyone. So that everyone can benefit from free education. The government should reform the education system so that poor people can send their children to schools and colleges.

Essay On Education Should Be Free 250 Words

Human beings need education. It shouldn’t be denied to anyone because of a lack of funding. A well-educated citizen is more likely to excel in their individual fields and contribute more to national development efforts than a less educated citizen. Even primary education is currently charged in many countries, a trend that is unfortunate for many people.

There’s no doubt that this doesn’t deter poor families from sending their children to school, but it certainly makes things harder for them, forcing them to either leave their children behind or work harder.

Knowledge, skills, and character are all developed through education. For humans, it can be thought of as knowledge that has been assimilation or learning. It means that you should develop your strength to control yourself; to choose your destiny on your own; to teach others while developing yourself at the same time.

A child’s education is not free because it costs money because schools, universities, teachers and curricula must be provided. Depending on what kind of school your child attends, you will spend more or less on their education.

Also, if people pay for college, they are likely to get a better job after graduation. Houses that are close to the school will benefit their children more than homes that are farther away. As a result, the government pays more taxes, which can be used to fund welfare and health care programs.

The following are some reasons why education should be free:

A basic human right is education. Every human being should have access to education. We should start with children by providing them with free home education from an early age, enabling us to build a society that is developed for generations to come.

In order to change your life, you must educate yourself. Education keeps your mind open and creative, so that you can yourself determine what your future will be like, either success or failure.

A good education is not only a means of survival; it is also a means to find work and earn a living. Educating lower class children is the best way to combat poverty, inequality, and other social injustices. All people should have access to education free of charge to develop their nation without discrimination based on caste or religion.

Essay On Education Should Be Free 500 Words

Having a good education is crucial to a person’s academic, social, and political success. The global education system requires a lot of money, but it should not be monopolized so that everyone can move at the same pace, solving problems like world poverty or world starvation at the same time.

Without making its talent any harder, the world’s future inevitably goes nowhere. With more knowledge, you have a better chance of standing out from the crowd and have an easier time navigating the world today’s challenges.

Today, education plays an even more important role in the development of our world than ever before. Almost every student pays money to attend the institute and study. Unfortunately, not everyone can, as many do not have a strong financial support system to allow them to attend the school they desire and to continue their education. When it comes to education, learning should be free of charge for everyone.

Students who receive free education are more likely to succeed. It is very satisfying for a student to no longer have to worry about the educational charges when he is relieved of these charges. Therefore, he also strives to improve his grades as a way of appreciating this opportunity.

As a result, society will gain a reliable, productive workforce by offering students the chance to continue their studies. Countries that support their students’ education are generally the most innovative and creative.

In some cases, free education can have the opposite effect on students. If everything was easy, students would not find it difficult to drop out of school and studies since they had not earned them in the first place.

Free education can ruin the quality of teaching too, since students usually value things based on their difficulty, and they will waste this opportunity. Free education can also result in them wasting it.

Today, the majority of schools rely on students’ fees to improve their facilities and materials, but without those fees, schools can’t move forward and will only be able to rely on government funding.

Every child has the right to an education, but not everyone comes from financially stable families. As part of the post-modern era of civilized and educated individuals, we can contribute to the community by setting up private institutions where slum children can be taught for free. It only takes small steps to make bigger changes at a broader level.

In order to support poor families, the Indian government should provide free education while letting private companies run educational institutions. High-quality education can be provided by private firms to those who are wealthy. The government firms will deliver high quality services when competing against the private firms.

It is important to make education free for all people below the poverty line since education is the way to develop any nation. This will allow us to modernize our country without caste or religion discrimination.

A well-educated workforce will ensure that countries can prosper and develop into future evolution. Education should remain equally accessible to everyone, regardless of income.

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Should Higher Education Be Free?

• Vijay Govindarajan
• Jatin Desai

Disruptive new models offer an alternative to expensive tuition.

In the United States, our higher education system is broken. Since 1980, we’ve seen a 400% increase in the cost of higher education, after adjustment for inflation — a higher cost escalation than any other industry, even health care. We have recently passed the trillion dollar mark in student loan debt in the United States.

• Vijay Govindarajan is the Coxe Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business, an executive fellow at Harvard Business School, and faculty partner at the Silicon Valley incubator Mach 49. He is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His latest book is Fusion Strategy: How Real-Time Data and AI Will Power the Industrial Future . His Harvard Business Review articles “ Engineering Reverse Innovations ” and “ Stop the Innovation Wars ” won McKinsey Awards for best article published in HBR. His HBR articles “ How GE Is Disrupting Itself ” and “ The CEO’s Role in Business Model Reinvention ” are HBR all-time top-50 bestsellers. Follow him on LinkedIn . vgovindarajan
• JD Jatin Desai is co-founder and chief executive officer of The Desai Group and the author of  Innovation Engine: Driving Execution for Breakthrough Results .

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Free Education for Children Worldwide: A Research-Based Argumentative Essay

Education is widely recognized as one of the most important tools for social and economic development. However, access to education is still a major challenge for millions of children worldwide, especially in low-income countries. While some countries offer free education to their citizens, many others do not, leaving countless children without access to education. In this article, we will explore the topic of free education for children worldwide and the arguments for and against it.

One of the main arguments for free education is that it would provide equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their family’s income or social status. Education is a fundamental right, and every child should have access to it. Free education would also help to break the cycle of poverty by providing children with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life. Additionally, free education would lead to a more educated population, which would benefit society as a whole.

On the other hand, some argue that free education is not feasible, as it would place a significant burden on governments and taxpayers. They argue that education is a personal responsibility, and those who want to receive an education should be willing to pay for it. Furthermore, some argue that free education would lower the quality of education, as it would lead to overcrowded classrooms and overworked teachers. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument and provide a balanced view of the topic.

The Right to Education

The warning of free education, countries without free education, positioning yourself in the debate, the case for free education.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, access to quality education has become a vital human right. Unfortunately, millions of children worldwide are denied this right due to financial barriers. In this section, we will explore the benefits of free education and why it is a fundamental right for all children.

Benefits of Free Education

Providing free education for children worldwide has numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows students from low-income families to access quality education without accumulating debt. This ensures that all students, regardless of their financial background, have equal opportunities to succeed in life.

Secondly, free education can lead to a more educated and skilled workforce, which can boost economic growth and development. This, in turn, can lead to increased income and a reduction in poverty.

Moreover, free education can promote equality and social mobility. It can break down barriers that prevent students from disadvantaged backgrounds from accessing higher education and better job opportunities. This can lead to a more equitable society where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

Education is not just a privilege, it is a fundamental human right. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to education.” This means that every child, regardless of their background, has the right to access quality education without discrimination.

By providing free education, governments can ensure that this right is upheld and that every child has the opportunity to fulfill their potential. It can also help to reduce inequality and promote social justice.

In conclusion, free education for children worldwide is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. It can lead to a more educated and skilled workforce, reduce poverty and inequality, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed in life. It is time for governments around the world to take action and make free education a reality for all children.

The Case Against Free Education

While free education for children worldwide sounds like an ideal solution to the problem of access to education, it is not without its drawbacks. In this section, we will explore some of the reasons why free education may not be the best solution for all.

The Burden of Free Education

One of the most significant concerns with free education is the financial burden it places on governments. Providing free education to all children worldwide would require a massive investment of resources, which many governments may not be able to afford. This could lead to cuts in other essential services, such as healthcare and social welfare, as governments struggle to find the funds to support free education.

Moreover, free education may not necessarily lead to better outcomes for students. In some cases, it may even lead to a decline in the quality of education provided. This is because the government may not have the resources to invest in the necessary infrastructure and teaching staff to provide high-quality education.

Another concern with free education is that it may lead to a sense of entitlement among students. When education is free, students may not value it as much as they would if they had to pay for it. This could lead to a decline in student motivation and engagement, which could ultimately harm their academic performance.

Furthermore, free education may not be the best solution for all. In some cases, student loans may be a better option. Student loans allow students to pay for their education over time, which can be more manageable than paying for it all at once. Additionally, student loans can help students develop a sense of responsibility and financial discipline, which can be beneficial in the long run.

In conclusion, while free education for children worldwide may seem like an ideal solution, it is not without its drawbacks. Governments must carefully consider the financial burden of providing free education and the potential impact on the quality of education provided. Additionally, students must be encouraged to value their education and take responsibility for their financial obligations.

Evidence and Examples

When writing a research-based argumentative essay for or against free education for children worldwide, it is essential to provide evidence and examples to support your claims. In this section, we will examine countries with and without free education and the impact it has on education, students, and opportunities.

Countries with Free Education

Several countries worldwide have implemented policies to provide free education to all children. For example, Finland, Sweden, and Norway have a long history of offering free education to their citizens. In these countries, education is considered a fundamental right, and the government invests heavily in the education system, ensuring that students receive quality education.

The impact of free education in these countries is evident. Students have access to high-quality education, which prepares them for the future. They have more opportunities to pursue higher education and secure better-paying jobs, which helps to reduce poverty levels in the country.

In contrast, many countries worldwide have yet to implement policies to provide free education to all children. For example, in some African countries, education is not free, and many children cannot afford to go to school. As a result, many children are denied access to education, which limits their opportunities and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.

In countries without free education, the quality of education is often poor, and students do not receive the necessary skills to succeed in life. This lack of education often leads to fewer opportunities for students, which can lead to unemployment, poverty, and other social issues.

In conclusion, providing free education to all children worldwide can have significant economic, social, and educational benefits. It is essential to invest in education to ensure that all children have access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

In conclusion, the debate over free education for children worldwide is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While providing free education to all children can help to reduce inequality and improve social and economic development, it is not a panacea for all the challenges facing the education sector.

On the one hand, free education can help to ensure that all children have access to education regardless of their socio-economic background. This can help to reduce inequality and improve social mobility. Additionally, free education can help to improve economic development by providing children with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce.

On the other hand, providing free education can be expensive and may require significant investment from governments and other stakeholders. Furthermore, free education may not necessarily lead to better educational outcomes if the quality of education is poor. Therefore, policymakers need to ensure that free education is of high quality and that it is accessible to all children, regardless of their background.

In conclusion, while free education for children worldwide is a laudable goal, it is not a silver bullet for all the challenges facing the education sector. Policymakers need to carefully consider the costs and benefits of free education and ensure that it is of high quality and accessible to all children.

Blog and Writing Tips

Writing an effective argumentative essay.

When writing an argumentative essay, it is important to clearly state your position on the topic. In this case, the topic is free education for children worldwide. Make sure to research the topic thoroughly and gather evidence to support your position. Use credible sources such as academic journals, government reports, and news articles.

To structure your argumentative essay, start with an introduction that provides background information on the topic and clearly states your thesis statement. The body of your essay should present your arguments and evidence in a logical and organized manner. Use transitional phrases to connect your ideas and make sure to address counterarguments.

In the conclusion, summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.

When taking a position on free education for children worldwide, it is important to consider different perspectives. Think about the potential benefits and drawbacks of free education, and how it might impact different groups of people. For example, some argue that free education would increase access to education and reduce poverty, while others argue that it would be too expensive and lead to lower quality education.

Consider your audience when positioning yourself in the debate. Who are you writing for? Are you writing for policymakers, educators, or the general public? Tailor your arguments and evidence to your audience and use language that is appropriate for them.

Finally, make sure to use a confident and knowledgeable tone in your writing. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims, and back up your arguments with evidence. By following these tips, you can write an effective argumentative essay on free education for children worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should education be free for all children worldwide.

The question of whether education should be free for all children worldwide is a complex one with no easy answer. On the one hand, providing free education to all children could help to break down barriers and provide equal opportunities for all. On the other hand, there are concerns about the cost and feasibility of such a system, as well as the potential impact on the quality of education.

What are the benefits of free education for children?

The benefits of free education for children are numerous. First and foremost, it would ensure that all children have access to education, regardless of their background or financial situation. This would help to break down barriers and provide equal opportunities for all. Additionally, free education could help to reduce poverty and improve the overall standard of living, as education is key to economic growth and development.

What are the drawbacks of free education for children?

While the benefits of free education are clear, there are also drawbacks to consider. One of the main concerns is the cost of such a system, which could be prohibitively expensive for many countries. Additionally, there are concerns about the quality of education that would be provided under a free system, as well as the potential impact on private schools and other educational institutions.

How would free education impact the global economy?

The impact of free education on the global economy is difficult to predict, as it would depend on a variety of factors, including the cost of implementing such a system, the quality of education provided, and the overall impact on economic growth and development. However, it is clear that education is key to economic growth and development, and providing free education to all children could help to reduce poverty and improve the overall standard of living.

What are the potential long-term effects of free education for children?

The potential long-term effects of free education for children are numerous. Providing free education to all children could help to break down barriers and provide equal opportunities for all, which could have a positive impact on society as a whole. Additionally, free education could help to reduce poverty and improve the overall standard of living, which could have far-reaching effects on economic growth and development.

What are the alternatives to free education for children?

There are a number of alternatives to free education for children, including scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance. Additionally, some countries have implemented voucher systems or other programs that provide financial assistance to families who cannot afford to pay for education. While these alternatives may not provide free education to all children, they can help to ensure that education is accessible to those who need it most.

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College & Careers

Tuition-free college is critical to our economy

Morley Winograd and Max Lubin

November 2, 2020, 13 comments.

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To rebuild America’s economy in a way that offers everyone an equal chance to get ahead, federal support for free college tuition should be a priority in any economic recovery plan in 2021.

Research shows that the private and public economic benefit of free community college tuition would outweigh the cost. That’s why half of the states in the country already have some form of free college tuition.

The Democratic Party 2020 platform calls for making two years of community college tuition free for all students with a federal/state partnership similar to the Obama administration’s 2015 plan .

It envisions a program as universal and free as K-12 education is today, with all the sustainable benefits such programs (including Social Security and Medicare) enjoy. It also calls for making four years of public college tuition free, again in partnership with states, for students from families making less than $125,000 per year.

The Republican Party didn’t adopt a platform for the 2020 election, deferring to President Trump’s policies, which among other things, stand in opposition to free college. Congressional Republicans, unlike many of their state counterparts, also have not supported free college tuition in the past.

However, it should be noted that the very first state free college tuition program was initiated in 2015 by former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican. Subsequently, such deep red states with Republican majorities in their state legislature such as West Virginia, Kentucky and Arkansas have adopted similar programs.

Establishing free college tuition benefits for more Americans would be the 21st-century equivalent of the Depression-era Works Progress Administration initiative.

That program not only created immediate work for the unemployed, but also offered skills training for nearly 8 million unskilled workers in the 1930s. Just as we did in the 20th century, by laying the foundation for our current system of universal free high school education and rewarding our World War II veterans with free college tuition to help ease their way back into the workforce, the 21st century system of higher education we build must include the opportunity to attend college tuition-free.

California already has taken big steps to make its community college system, the largest in the nation, tuition free by fully funding its California Promise grant program. But community college is not yet free to all students. Tuition costs — just more than $1,500 for a full course load — are waived for low-income students. Colleges don’t have to spend the Promise funds to cover tuition costs for other students so, at many colleges, students still have to pay tuition.

At the state’s four-year universities, about 60% of students at the California State University and the same share of in-state undergraduates at the 10-campus University of California, attend tuition-free as well, as a result of Cal grants , federal Pell grants and other forms of financial aid.

But making the CSU and UC systems tuition-free for even more students will require funding on a scale that only the federal government is capable of supporting, even if the benefit is only available to students from families that makes less than $125,000 a year.

It is estimated that even without this family income limitation, eliminating tuition for four years at all public colleges and universities for all students would cost taxpayers $79 billion a year, according to U.S. Department of Education data . Consider, however, that the federal government  spent $91 billion  in 2016 on policies that subsidized college attendance. At least some of that could be used to help make public higher education institutions tuition-free in partnership with the states.

Free college tuition programs have proved effective in helping mitigate the system’s current inequities by increasing college enrollment, lowering dependence on student loan debt and improving completion rates , especially among students of color and lower-income students who are often the first in their family to attend college.

In the first year of the TN Promise , community college enrollment in Tennessee increased by 24.7%, causing 4,000 more students to enroll. The percentage of Black students in that state’s community college population increased from 14% to 19% and the proportion of Hispanic students increased from 4% to 5%.

Students who attend community college tuition-free also graduate at higher rates. Tennessee’s first Promise student cohort had a 52.6% success rate compared to only a 38.9% success rate for their non-Promise peers. After two years of free college tuition, Rhode Island’s college-promise program saw its community college graduation rate triple and the graduation rate among students of color increase ninefold.

The impact on student debt is more obvious. Tennessee, for instance, saw its applications for student loans decrease by 17% in the first year of its program, with loan amounts decreasing by 12%. At the same time, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications soared, with 40% of the entire nation’s increase in applications originating in that state in the first year of their Promise program.

Wage inequality by education, already dreadful before the pandemic, is getting worse. In May, the unemployment rate among workers without a high school diploma was nearly triple the rate of workers with a bachelor’s degree. No matter what Congress does to provide support to those affected by the pandemic and the ensuing recession, employment prospects for far too many people in our workforce will remain bleak after the pandemic recedes. Today, the fastest growing sectors of the economy are in health care, computers and information technology. To have a real shot at a job in those sectors, workers need a college credential of some form such as an industry-recognized skills certificate or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

The surest way to make the proven benefits of higher education available to everyone is to make college tuition-free for low and middle-income students at public colleges, and the federal government should help make that happen.

Morley Winograd is president of the Campaign for Free College Tuition . Max Lubin is CEO of Rise , a student-led nonprofit organization advocating for free college.  

The opinions in this commentary are those of the author. Commentaries published on EdSource represent diverse viewpoints about California’s public education systems. If you would like to submit a commentary, please review our  guidelines  and  contact us .

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Genia Curtsinger 2 years ago 2 years ago

Making community college free to those who meet the admission requirements would help many people. First of all, it would make it easy for students and families, for instance; you go to college and have to pay thousands of dollars to get a college education, but if community college is free it would help so you could be saving money and get a college education for free, with no cost at all. It would make … Read More

Making community college free to those who meet the admission requirements would help many people. First of all, it would make it easy for students and families, for instance; you go to college and have to pay thousands of dollars to get a college education, but if community college is free it would help so you could be saving money and get a college education for free, with no cost at all. It would make it more affordable to the student and their families.

Therefore I think people should have free education for those who meet the admission requirements.

nothing 2 years ago 2 years ago

I feel like colleges shouldn’t be completely free, but a lot more affordable for people so everyone can have a chance to have a good college education.

Jaden Wendover 2 years ago 2 years ago

I think all colleges should be free, because why would you pay to learn?

Samantha Cole 2 years ago 2 years ago

I think college should be free because there are a lot of people that want to go to college but they can’t pay for it so they don’t go and end up in jail or working as a waitress or in a convenience store. I know I want to go to college but I can’t because my family doesn’t make enough money to send me to college but my family makes too much for financial aid.

Nick Gurrs 2 years ago 2 years ago

I feel like this subject has a lot of answers, For me personally, I believe tuition and college, in general, should be free because it will help students get out of debt and not have debt, and because it will help people who are struggling in life to get a job and make a living off a job.

NO 2 years ago 2 years ago

I think college tuition should be free. A lot of adults want to go to college and finish their education but can’t partly because they can’t afford to. Some teens need to work at a young age just so they can save money for college which I feel they shouldn’t have to. If people don’t want to go to college then they just can work and go on with their lives.

Not saying my name 3 years ago 3 years ago

I think college tuition should be free because people drop out because they can’t pay the tuition to get into college and then they can’t graduate and live a good life and they won’t get a job because it says they dropped out of school. So it would be harder to get a job and if the tuition wasn’t a thing, people would live an awesome life because of this.

Brisa 3 years ago 3 years ago

I’m not understanding. Are we not agreeing that college should be free, or are we?

m 2 years ago 2 years ago

it shouldnt

Trevor Everhart 3 years ago 3 years ago

What do you mean by there is no such thing as free tuition?

Olga Snichernacs 3 years ago 3 years ago

Nice! I enjoyed reading.

Anonymous Cat 3 years ago 3 years ago

Tuition-Free: Free tuition, or sometimes tuition free is a phrase you have heard probably a good number of times. … Therefore, free tuition to put it simply is the opportunity provide to students by select universities around the world to received a degree from their institution without paying any sum of money for the teaching.

Mister B 3 years ago 3 years ago

There is no such thing as tuition free.

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University Education Should be Free for all Students- IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated On Jan 25, 2024

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The Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS Aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS.

Below is a sample IELTS Essay for the IELTS Essay topic:

University education should be free for all students. To what extent agree or disagree?

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Summarise the topic with the use of synonyms to create a basic understanding.

Sentence 3 – Mention that the essay will understand the need to make university education free.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Talk about how high university fees affect a family and its finances.

Paragraph 2 – Mention the benefits of making university education free, like high attending rates and upliftment of adjacent pointers like happiness index, etc. Mention relevant examples here.

Paragraph 3 – Acknowledge the flipper side of the argument, but talk about the unending advantages of making university education free.

Restate your views.

Sample Essay 1

University education is among the costliest “investments” a person can make. Consequently, there has been a cry to formalize a law to make university education free for everyone in recent times so that everyone can avail it. I feel this is a positive step, and this essay will expand my understanding of why I agree with it.

To begin with, university education costs can run well into hundreds of thousands of dollars, which may not be financially viable for every person. In a realistic scenario, even if a family is well off financially, this can become a burden as many will take educational loans to cover these costs. On top of this, books, accommodation, food, and other essentials are not factored in the tuition fees. Hence, such astronomical education costs can be a pecuniary nightmare.

On the same note, making university education cheaper really unfurls a wave of universal availing of higher education. For instance, many European countries’ public colleges charge zero for their courses. These countries, like Sweden, Germany, Finland, etc., show a very high rate of education, along with other pointers like high per capita income, high happiness index, and low tax evasion rates. Making university education free not only increases education across a country but has a positive direct and indirect effect on so many germane lifestyle pointers.

Some believe that countries, governments in general, benefit from high education rates, while others remark that free university education for all can become an obligation for the government. I feel that there are other means and ways of earning money, and earning money at the cost of a deserving person’s future is outrightly wrong. Additionally, making higher education free has one too many benefits to ignore.

Hence, university education should be free for all students keeping in mind that it is embezzled neither by the country nor the students.

Sample Essay 2

Having a qualification of tertiary education has become essential in the present. It is generally believed that universities should not charge any fees whatsoever. I agree with the given notion considerably, and I will support my angle of view in subsequent paragraphs.

To commence with the agreement side, providing tertiary education for free can elevate the education level of a whole country. To elaborate, providing free education will encourage more and more students to enrol in university courses. Students who cannot afford to pay university fees and, therefore, opt to get jobs after secondary education will also receive an opportunity to educate themselves further. More students enrolling in universities will increase education overall in a country.

Moreover, providing free university education can lead to a country’s prosperous economy. To make it clear, it is generally noticed that people, who are university graduates, have a pay scale significantly higher than that of high school graduates as university students have received specialized education in a specific field and have honed their skills within that particular field. Providing free tertiary education can encourage more and more students to enrol and specialize in a specific area which will help them to secure a hefty paying job. It will eventually help the country’s economy to grow further.

Now, looking at the disagreement side, if higher education is provided for free, students might take it for granted and start to avoid their duties. The number of university dropouts will increase as students have not paid any fees, and they are not losing anything financially by dropping out. There is a possibility that students may get swayed by the lousy influence of their peers and may get involved in immoral activities like bullying or drug trafficking without fearing expulsion as they have not paid any fees.

To conclude, providing free tertiary education can help a nation achieve greater heights in terms of education level and economy, but it may come with a price of students not taking the free education seriously because of not having to pay any fees.

Meaning – give (something) legal or formal status. Example – The government formalized a law to protect our right to privacy.

Meaning – capable of working successfully; feasible. Example – Motorsports are introducing viable financial plans amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

• Astronomical 

Meaning – (of an amount) extremely large. Example – The college tuition fees are astronomical.

Meaning – make or become spread out. Example – The ship unfurled its sails.

• Outrightly  

Meaning – wholly and completely. Example – The way he stood against the teacher was outrightly wrong.

Meaning – to steal (money or property) despite being entrusted to take care of it Example – .The conman embezzled a huge amount of money from the poor people.

Meaning – relating to or consisting of money. Example – You should enrich your pecuniary knowledge and take care of your assets.

Meaning – bound to do certain things Example – We have an obligation to fulfil our duties towards our parents and country.

Meaning – the act of avoiding something that you do not want to do or deal with Example – Tax evasion is one of the prevalent crimes in our country.

Meaning – relevant and appropriate Example – His speech was germane to the event of the day.

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Janice Thompson

Soon after graduating with a Master’s in Literature from Southern Arkansas University, she joined an institute as an English language trainer. She has had innumerous student interactions and has produced a couple of research papers on English language teaching. She soon found that non-native speakers struggled to meet the English language requirements set by foreign universities. It was when she decided to jump ship into IELTS training. From then on, she has been mentoring IELTS aspirants. She joined IELTSMaterial about a year ago, and her contributions have been exceptional. Her essay ideas and vocabulary have taken many students to a band 9.

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Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Whitney Houston

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Posted on Apr 1, 2022

Having access to academic tuition at university is considered a basic right of everyone by some individuals and they believe that irrespective of their socioeconomic background students should get a chance to study free of charge. To my mind, introducing this idea in most societies may generate some social problems and can also result in universities losing their value. Enabling general access to university education in the modern world can lead to a serious repercussion. To elaborate this, easily accessible academic training will attract huge numbers of students and this will cause imbalance between the number of job hunters and vacancies available. Consequently, the country might end up with a rising population of specialists with a university degree who are unemployed due to the limited number of jobs offered. Furthermore, charging no fees for tertiary education can change students’ attitude towards university education. In other words, it is highly likely that the opportunity to acquire free knowledge at higher education institutions may be taken for granted in a long-term run. As a result, universities might lose their status as a supreme source of obtaining quality education. To illuatrate this, my cousin was granted a chance to study for free by an organization which helped ambitious young people to achieve their dream of studying at higher institutions. Even though he was initially extremely excited about training at university his interest started to decline as he was not paying tuition fees himself and thus did not realize the value of free education. To sum up, free and easily accessible education at the university level has some drawbacks, namely, social problems like unemployment among specialists with a university degree and the change of students’ attitude towards higher education. Therefore, I believe that this is rather a negative development for the society.

Band Score – 5

Concentrate on correct use of articles, punctuation and subject verb agreement.

Use more transitional words.

Since it is an opinion essay, you are also required to write one line of contrast after the two opinionated body paragraphs.

There is a lack of paragraph division. Please take care of it.

Iqbal singh

Some people propose the idea that the cost of tertiary education of all students should be borne by the government to make education more accessible. I, however, do not agree with this proposition because in my opinion, doing so will do more harm than good.

The first and the foremost argument to support my view is that sponsoring the higher education of all students will put an enormous financial burden on government’s shoulders. As government has to spend its limited resources on various crucial aspects of a nation’s growth such as providing health care, developing infrastructure and conducting social welfare schemes, bearing the cost of all prospective students will result in a severe shortage of funds. To generate more funds, the government will have to either levy heavier taxes or reduce its spending on other areas. In both scenarios, the one who will be at a disadvantage is the common man. For example, a raise in taxes will give birth to inflation which will make it extremely difficult for people to even afford basic needs. Similarly, a reduction in governmental spending on pivotal areas will make those people suffer who rely heavily on govermental support.

Yet another argument is that making third-tier education cost free will also result in the system being abused. With college education becoming free, universities will get flooded with non-serious students who will take admission for the sole purpose of enjoying student life. This will not only affect the decorum of universities negatively but will also result in universities producing graduates with severely limited knowledge. This, in turn, can prove to be a hindrance in a country’s progression as the development of any nation relies on how well educated its citizens are. On top of that, implementing this system will also lead to higher drop-out rates. When the students will realise that they are not bound to pay even a single penny from their own pocket, they will not hesitate in leaving their education in the middle and thus wasting governmental resources. To conclude, without a doubt, providing university education to all is of paramount importance today to ensure the success of a nation, but making government bear its financial burden is not a judicious step as it will do more harm than any good. Nevertheless, the government must keep those students in mind who are either studious or extremely poor and help them in getting the college education by offering scholarships and interest-free loans.

Concentrate on correct use of articles, verb forms and punctuation.

Use C2 level of words.

Posted on Feb 22, 2022

Education is the key factor to assess the growth of an individual, society and a nation infact. It brings forth the innate talents of a person, thus making one capable and efficient. The more, the percentage of educated people in a country, the lesser the unemployment and the more developed it is. I believe that the education is also a basic necessity besides the food, clothing and shelter. But unfortunately, due to lack of money or facilities, many children are deprived of being educated. Hence ‘Free university education’ is need of the hour to break the shackles of unemployment and surge ahead.

I opine that each country has to set up an education fund from various taxes collected from the citizens. The best investment any country can make is in its future tax payers. Many destitute who cannot afford to meet the tuition fee expenses gets an access to education, thus increasing the average literacy rate of the country. The employment index goes high, thus increasing the number of tax payers which in turn increases the GDP. We come across many students who do part time jobs to earn a living and save money for studies. Such students can intensively and completely be dedicated to studies, if education is free.

Social equality is brought in the society irrespective of gender, caste, race, rich, poor etc. One can witness a rapid progress in technological innovations thus strengthening the roots of a nation. An educated society brings a major impact on the political system. Wise decisions can be made in electing the eligible and deserving leaders.

I find no significant and justifying reasons to disagree on this subject except for the one reason that some students might take studies for granted if it is provided at free of cost, although it might not be case with many.

To sum up, free education plays an integral role in success of an individual, society and nation as a whole. It helps for a country to grow financially, technologically and in allied areas.

Band score: 5

Concentrate on the usage of articles, prepositions Use “c2” vocabulary

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Education Should Be Free Essay

Table of Contents

Education Should Be Free Essay: Education is the key to personal growth and societal progress. It empowers individuals with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and opportunities, enabling them to fulfill their potential and contribute positively to their communities. Education is the foundation upon which a brighter and more equitable future is built. However, the cost of education can often be a significant barrier to accessing knowledge and opportunities.

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Free education is essential as it breaks down financial barriers, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills. It empowers individuals, promotes social equality, and contributes to a more educated and prosperous society, ultimately fostering progress and innovation. In this article, we’ll explore the idea that education should be free and provide sample essays of varying lengths to support this argument.

Education Should Be Free Essay 1: 150 Words

The concept of free education is rooted in the belief that access to knowledge should not be limited by one’s ability to pay. Education is not just a personal benefit but a societal one, as it leads to a more informed and empowered citizenry. When education is free, it breaks down economic barriers and opens doors to countless opportunities. One of the key advantages of free education is the reduction of inequality. It levels the playing field, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to access the same quality of education. This fosters social mobility, where talent and effort are the primary determinants of success.

Furthermore, free education has economic benefits. A well-educated workforce is more likely to contribute to a nation’s economic growth. It leads to a higher-skilled labor market, innovation, and increased productivity, all of which are vital for a nation’s competitiveness on the global stage.

In conclusion, the idea of free education is not just an idealistic notion but a practical and necessary step for societal progress. It promotes equality, empowers individuals, and strengthens economies, making it a worthwhile investment for any nation.

Essay on Education Should Be Free 2: 250 Words

Education is often referred to as the great equalizer, a means by which individuals can overcome socio-economic disparities and achieve their full potential. However, the rising costs of education have created barriers for many, limiting their access to this invaluable resource. This essay argues that education should be free, as it benefits not only individuals but society as a whole.

First and foremost, free education promotes equality and social mobility. It ensures that every person, regardless of their financial background, has the opportunity to pursue higher education. This levels the playing field and allows individuals to advance based on their merit and hard work rather than their financial resources.

Moreover, free education has economic advantages. A well-educated workforce is essential for a nation’s economic growth and competitiveness. It leads to higher productivity, innovation, and a more skilled labor market. When education is accessible to all, it contributes to a stronger and more prosperous economy.

Furthermore, free education benefits society by fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. Educated individuals are more likely to participate in civic activities, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to their communities. They are also better equipped to address societal challenges and drive innovation.

Critics may argue that free education is costly for governments, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. Studies have shown that the economic returns from an educated workforce more than compensate for the costs of providing free education.

In conclusion, education should be free because it is a fundamental right and a public good. It promotes equality, social mobility, economic growth, and civic engagement. By making education accessible to all, we invest in a brighter and more prosperous future for individuals and society as a whole.

Education Should Be Free Essay 3 – 400 Words

Education is often regarded as the cornerstone of personal and societal development. It equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities that can transform lives and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. However, the cost of education can be a formidable barrier for many, limiting access and perpetuating inequalities. In this essay, we will argue why education should be free, focusing on the benefits it offers to individuals and society.

First and foremost, free education promotes equality of opportunity. It ensures that individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their economic circumstances, have the same access to quality education. When education is not contingent on one’s ability to pay, it levels the playing field, allowing talent and effort to be the primary determinants of success. This results in a more equitable society where everyone has a fair chance to achieve their aspirations.

Furthermore, free education is an investment in human capital and economic growth. A well-educated workforce is essential for a nation’s prosperity. It leads to increased productivity, innovation, and competitiveness on the global stage. When individuals are educated, they are more likely to contribute positively to the workforce, driving economic development and reducing dependency on social welfare programs.

Additionally, free education benefits society by fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. Educated individuals are more likely to participate in civic activities, make informed decisions, and contribute to their communities. They are equipped to address societal challenges, advocate for positive change, and drive innovation in various fields.

Critics may argue that providing free education is financially burdensome for governments. However, studies have shown that the long-term economic returns from an educated populace far outweigh the initial costs. Moreover, free education can be funded through various means, such as progressive taxation or reallocating budget priorities, ensuring that it is a sustainable and worthwhile investment.

In conclusion, education should be free because it is a fundamental right and a public good. It promotes equality, social mobility, economic growth, and civic engagement. By making education accessible to all, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society. Free education is not just an idealistic notion but a practical necessity for building a brighter and more inclusive future for individuals and society as a whole.

Education Should Be Free Essay 4: 500 Words

Education is the key to personal and societal advancement. It has the power to transform lives, break the cycle of poverty, and pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous society. However, the cost of education has become a significant barrier for many, limiting access to knowledge and opportunities. In this essay, we will make a compelling case for why education should be free, discussing the benefits it brings to individuals and society at large.

Equality of Opportunity

One of the most compelling arguments in favor of free education is its role in promoting equality of opportunity. Education should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it; it should be a universal right. When education is free, it ensures that individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds have the same access to quality learning. This levels the playing field, allowing talent and determination to be the primary factors in achieving success. It ensures that no one is left behind simply because of their financial circumstances.

Economic Prosperity

Free education is not just a social justice issue; it is also an economic imperative. A well-educated workforce is essential for a nation’s economic growth and competitiveness in the global arena. When individuals have access to higher education without the burden of crushing student debt, they are more likely to pursue careers that align with their passions and skills. This leads to increased productivity, innovation, and a more dynamic labor market.

Furthermore, educated individuals tend to earn higher incomes over their lifetimes, which, in turn, results in increased tax revenues for the government. This revenue can be reinvested in education and other critical public services, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits society as a whole.

Informed and Engaged Citizens

Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is also about fostering critical thinking and civic engagement. Educated individuals are more likely to participate in civic activities, vote in elections, and make informed decisions. They have the tools to analyze complex issues, advocate for positive change, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Education also plays a pivotal role in addressing societal challenges. It equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, healthcare disparities, and social inequality. By investing in education, we empower a new generation to be the problem solvers and change-makers of tomorrow.

Financial Feasibility

Critics often argue that providing free education is financially unsustainable. However, numerous studies have shown that the long-term economic benefits far outweigh the initial costs. Moreover, there are various ways to fund free education, such as implementing progressive taxation or reallocating budget priorities.

Additionally, countries that have already implemented free or heavily subsidized education models have seen positive outcomes. For example, in countries like Germany and Finland, where higher education is largely free, they have not only achieved high levels of educational attainment but also maintained robust economies.

In conclusion, education should be free because it is a fundamental human right and a powerful catalyst for individual and societal progress. Free education promotes equality of opportunity, fosters economic prosperity, and nurtures informed and engaged citizens. It is a wise investment that benefits not only individuals but also society as a whole.

By making education accessible to all, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute positively to their communities. In a world where knowledge is an essential currency, free education is not just an idealistic aspiration; it is a practical necessity for building a brighter and more inclusive future for individuals and society as a whole.

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FAQs on Education Should Be Free Essay

Should education be free.

Yes, education should be free because it promotes equality of opportunity, fosters economic growth, and empowers individuals to contribute to society.

Can education be made free in India?

While achieving entirely free education in India may be challenging, there are ways to reduce the financial burden on students and make education more affordable through government subsidies, scholarships, and policy reforms.

Why is free education required in our society?

Free education is required in our society to ensure that knowledge and opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of their financial background. It reduces inequality, fosters economic development, and empowers individuals to become informed, engaged citizens who can address societal challenges and contribute positively to their communities.

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When I was a student, school choice benefited me and it will help Tennessee children too

Education freedom scholarships, with their decentralized approach, promotes a more nimble and responsive educational system than traditional public schools..

• Walter Blanks Jr. is a spokesperson for American Federation for Children and is a member of the Beacon Center of Tennessee Impact Board.

Gov. Bill Lee's bold proposal for  Education Freedom Scholarships  in Tennessee is a beacon of hope for parents, families, and education reformers, ushering in what would be the next evolution in the state's approach to learning and educational attainment.

The scholarships offer a groundbreaking alternative, empowering parents with the ability to tailor their children's education, while demonstrating a level of accountability that outshines traditional public schools.

During the governor’s State of the State,  Lee doubled down on his plan  to give parents and students the opportunity and access to choose the best school that works for their own personal needs.

Lee stated, “The premise behind education freedom, and the one thing that most all of us agree upon, is that parents know what’s best for their child’s education.”

Lee then went on to say, “There are thousands of parents in the state who know their student would thrive in a different setting, but the financial barrier is simply too high. It’s time that we change that. It’s time that parents get to decide — and not the government — where their child goes to school and what they learn.”  

While the battle for school choice rages on, it’s extremely important not to forget the students who would actually benefit from such a program.

School choice benefited me and my family

Growing up in Ohio,  school choice became my lifeline , rescuing me from the clutches of a failing educational system.

The traditional public school I attended was struggling to provide quality education, leaving me disheartened and uninspired. The principal of the school told my mother, “If you give us five years, we will have the middle school and the high school turned around.”

My mother responded with, “In five years, Walter will either be in jail or in a body bag.” When my family discovered the school choice program, it opened a world of possibilities. School choice was more than an alternative; it was a catalyst for change, sparking a transformative journey that continues to shape my life positively.

Since moving to Tennessee, I have quickly realized  the education outcomes  in the state are not where they should be, and many families could benefit from similar programs that are being passed across the country.

Existing education choice programs across the nation have demonstrated impressive accountability mechanisms. By allowing parents to use allocated funds for various educational expenses, such as private school tuition, tutoring, or educational materials, choice programs like Education Freedom Scholarships promote a dynamic and tailored approach to learning. 

More: Gov. Bill Lee delivers State of the State to Tennessee General Assembly

Public schools, while essential, often face bureaucratic challenges that can hinder adaptability and responsiveness.

In 2023, the state of Tennessee spent roughly $10 billion dollars on public schools with very little (if any) accountability to parents and students. In Nashville,  roughly 30%  of third grade students are proficient (or considered “on track”). Within the public school system, families without the resources to change schools are left with empty promises, little improvements, and ultimately, no other option.

Education Freedom Scholarships, with their decentralized approach, promotes a more nimble and responsive educational system. This agility allows for quicker adjustments to address the evolving needs of students, ultimately better preparing the next generation for the challenges it will face.

Gov. Bill Lee's Education Freedom Scholarship proposal offers hope for Tennessee's education system, fostering innovation and unlocking its full potential. By prioritizing students' interests, the state can deliver quality education, ensuring a brighter future and a more adaptable model. It's time for Tennessee to embrace this opportunity, ushering in an era of empowerment and accountability in education.

Walter Blanks Jr. is a spokesperson for American Federation for Children and a beneficiary of a private school choice program, driven by a lifelong commitment to improving educational access. Blanks is a member of the Beacon Center of Tennessee Impact Board.

Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/26/when-are-year-6-sats-2024-key-dates-for-parents-and-pupils/

When are year 6 SATs 2024? Key dates for parents and pupils

Year 6 pupils in England will soon be taking the key stage 2 (KS2) national curriculum tests, which are often referred to as SATs.  

The assessments are used to measure school performance and to make sure individual pupils are being supported in the best way possible as they move into secondary school .   

When are SATs?  

This year, SATs will take place over four days from 13 May to 16 May 2024.

The timetable is as follows:

What are the tests on?   

While pupils won’t be able to see what’s on the test beforehand, t he assessments only include questions on things that children should already have been taught as part of the national curriculum.  

You can find past papers on GOV.UK .  

As usual, there won’t be a test for English writing or science. Instead, this will be reported as a teacher assessment judgement.  

This is a judgement teachers will make based on your child’s work at the end of KS2.   

Does my child need to revise for SATs?  

Children shouldn’t be made to feel any unnecessary pressure when it comes to the KS2 assessments and t eachers will make sure that all pupils in their class are prepared.  

You should follow their general advice about supporting your child’s education throughout the year and ahead of the tests.  

While it is statutory for schools to hold the assessments, headteachers make the final decision about whether a pupil participates in them.   

Some pupils – for example those with special education needs or disabilities – may be assessed under different arrangements if these are more appropriate.   

If you have concerns about your child participating in the KS2 tests, you should speak to your school in the first instance.  

What if my child finds the SATs tests too difficult?  

It’s important to remember that one of the purposes of the key stage 2 assessments is to identify each pupil's strengths and the areas where they may have fallen behind in their learning as they head into secondary school.   

The results will help their new school determine in which areas your child needs the most support.   

The tests are designed to be challenging to measure attainment, including stretching the most able children. It means some pupils will find them harder than others.    

It takes three years to create appropriate tests. During the process, they’re rigorously trialled with year 6 pupils and reviewed by education and inclusion experts to make sure they’re the right difficulty level.   

The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) is responsible for developing the tests, and Ministers don't have any influence on their content.   

When will we find out the results of SATs?  

Schools will receive test results on Tuesday 9 July 2024.  

Before the end of the summer term, your child’s school will send you a report which will include test results and teacher assessment judgements.  

This should provide you with a good sense of the standard at which your child is working in each subject.  

The school will report your child’s test results as a scaled score for each subject. This is created from the number of marks your child scores in a particular test. A scaled score:  

• below 100 means that your child may need more support to help them reach the expected standard;  
• of 100 or more means that your child is working at, or above, the expected standard for the key stage.  

If your child is working below the overall standard of the key stage, or they have special educational needs, reporting will be different, and you should speak to your child’s teacher for more information.  

You can also find more information about  results at the end of key stage 2  on GOV.UK.  

You may also be interested in:

• How we are helping to inspire primary school children about their future careers
• What is the multiplication tables check and why is it important?
• SATs leaflet for parents

Tags: KS2 , primary school , SATs , SATs 2023 , SATs results , Secondary School

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Campus protests over the Gaza war

House passes bill aimed to combat antisemitism amid college unrest.

Barbara Sprunt

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson visited Columbia University on April 24 to meet with Jewish students and make remarks about concerns that the ongoing demonstrations have become antisemitic. Alex Kent/Getty Images hide caption

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson visited Columbia University on April 24 to meet with Jewish students and make remarks about concerns that the ongoing demonstrations have become antisemitic.

The House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday aimed at addressing reports of rising antisemitism on college campuses, where activists angered by Israel's war against Hamas have been protesting for months and more recently set up encampments on campus grounds .

The Antisemitism Awareness Act would see the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism for the enforcement of federal anti-discrimination laws regarding education programs.

The bill passed with a 320-91 vote. Seventy Democrats and 21 Republicans voted against the measure.

The international group defines antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews" and gives examples of the definition's application, which includes "accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagine wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group" and making " dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective."

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., introduced the legislation.

"Right now, without a clear definition of antisemitism, the Department of Education and college administrators are having trouble discerning whether conduct is antisemitic or not, whether the activity we're seeing crosses the line into antisemitic harassment," he said on the House floor before passage.

The bill goes further than an executive order former President Donald Trump signed in 2019 . Opponents argue the measure could restrict free speech.

"This definition adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance includes 'contemporary examples of antisemitism'," said Rep. Jerry Nadler in a speech on the House floor ahead of the vote. "The problem is that these examples may include protected speech in some context, particularly with respect to criticism of the state of Israel."

Fellow New York Democrat Rep. Ritchie Torres , one of the 15 Democratic cosponsors of the bill, told NPR he finds that argument unconvincing.

"There's a false narrative that the definition censors criticism of the Israeli government. I consider it complete nonsense," Torres said in an interview with NPR.

"If you can figure out how to critique the policies and practices of the Israeli government without calling for the destruction of Israel itself, then no reasonable person would ever accuse you of antisemitism," he added.

Issue should 'transcend partisan politics'

While members of both parties have criticized reports of antisemitism at the protests, Republicans have made the issue a central political focus.

House Speaker Mike Johnson made a rare visit last week to Columbia University, where demonstrators were demanding the school divest from companies that operate in Israel. Johnson and a handful of GOP lawmakers met with a group of Jewish students.

"They are really concerned that their voices are not being heard when they may complain about being assaulted, being spit on, being told that all Jews should die — and they are not getting any response from the individuals who are literally being paid to protect them," Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, R-N.Y., told NPR of the meeting.

On Tuesday, Johnson held a press conference focused on antisemitism with a group of House Republicans at the U.S. Capitol.

"Antisemitism is a virus and it will spread if it's not stamped out," Johnson said. "We have to act, and House Republicans will speak to this fateful moment with moral clarity."

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., who chairs the House progressive caucus, says Republicans are playing politics.

"Many of these Republicans didn't say a word when Trump and others in Charlottesville and other places were saying truly antisemitic things. But all of a sudden now they want to bring forward bills that divide Democrats and weaponize this," she said.

Torres said he wished Johnson had done a bipartisan event with House Democrats to "present a united front."

"You know, it's impossible to take the politics out of politics, but the fight against all forms of hate, including antisemitism, should transcend partisan politics," he said.

Student protestors chant near an entrance to Columbia University on April 30. Columbia University has restricted access to the school's campus to students residing in residential buildings on campus and employees who provide essential services to campus buildings after protestors took over Hamilton Hall overnight. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images hide caption

Student protestors chant near an entrance to Columbia University on April 30. Columbia University has restricted access to the school's campus to students residing in residential buildings on campus and employees who provide essential services to campus buildings after protestors took over Hamilton Hall overnight.

Jewish students speak about feeling harassed

Hear from students who met with speaker johnson.

There was increased urgency to move legislation to the floor after lawmakers started hearing stories of Jewish students feeling unwelcome on campuses.

Eliana Goldin, a junior at Columbia and the Jewish Theological Seminary, said the escalation of protests on and around her campus have made her feel unsafe.

"I know many, many people who have been harassed because they wear a Jewish star necklace," Goldin told NPR. Goldin was one student who received a message from Rabbi Elie Buechler of Columbia a week ago.

"The events of the last few days...have made it clear that Columbia University's Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students' safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy," the message read. "It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved."

Demonstrators say their protest is peaceful and that some of the antisemitic events that have garnered national attention have come from people outside of the university.

Goldin said she was part of an interaction that got a lot of online attention of someone yelling at her and others to "go back to Poland." She said she was disappointed in the reaction from the broader Columbia community, even though the person was likely not a student.

"I do think if someone were to say, 'go back to Africa' to a Black student, it would one, be abhorrent," Goldin said. "And correctly, the entire Columbia student body would feel outraged at that, and we would all be able to rally around it. But of course, when someone says 'go back to Poland' to a Jew, we don't feel the same outrage and the same unity against that."

Torres said lawmakers should listen to students like Goldin.

"If there are Black students, who claim to experience racism, we rightly respect their experiences. The same would be true of Latino students, the same would be true of Asian students," he said. "If there are Jewish students who are telling us that they do not feel safe, why are we questioning the validity of their experiences? Why are we not affording them the sensitivity that we would have for every other group?"

Columbia University did not respond to NPR about questions about their handling of the protests.

A demonstrator breaks the windows of the front door of the building in order to secure a chain around it to prevent authorities from entering as demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building at Columbia University, on April 30. Alex Kent/Getty Images hide caption

A demonstrator breaks the windows of the front door of the building in order to secure a chain around it to prevent authorities from entering as demonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building at Columbia University, on April 30.

'It just really kind of erodes the soul'

Xavier Westergaard, a Ph.D. student at Columbia, attended the meeting between the House GOP delegation and Jewish students.

"The mood in the room was relief that someone so high up in the government made this a priority," he said, referring to Johnson.

"Jewish students, including myself, have been the victims of physical violence and intimidation. This goes from shoving, spitting, being told to go back to Europe," he said. "It just really kind of erodes the soul if you hear it too many times."

He added: "And this is not just happening outside the gates, on the sidewalk where anyone from anywhere can come and demonstrate. We do have the First Amendment in this country. This was actually on campus. The university has responsibilities to protect their students from harassment on the basis of religion or creed or national origin."

A consistent refrain among protesters is that criticizing the policies of the Israeli government doesn't equate to antisemitism.

Westergaard agrees, but says that's not what he's experiencing.

"I've heard, 'We want all Zionists off campus.' I've heard 'death to the Zionist state, death to Zionists.' And as a Jew, I feel that Zionism and Judaism can be teased apart with a tremendous amount of care and compassion and knowledge," he said. "But it's also just a dog whistle that people use when they're talking about the Jews."

Juliana Castillo, an undergraduate, was also at the meeting with Johnson. She said calls for the safety of students doesn't just include physical well-being.

"There are things like intimidation, like feeling uncomfortable being openly Jewish or taking a direct route across campus," she said. "It doesn't always manifest as a lack of physical safety. Sometimes it manifests as being unwelcome in a class or feeling like people's viewpoints or perspectives are not respected."

She said even isolated incidents of antisemitism that get circulated widely online have a "creeping impact on people."

"Just knowing that something has happened to your friends, or to people you know in a place you're familiar with, makes it difficult to have a sense that this is your campus," she said. "These things do build up."

Bipartisan push on more bills to counter antisemitism

Lawmakers say this bill is just one step — and that there's more action the chamber should take to combat antisemitism.

Torres and Lawler have introduced another bill that would place a monitor on a campus to report back to the federal government on whether the university is complying with Title VI , which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in places like colleges that receive federal funding.

"A law is only as effective as its enforcement, and the purpose here is to provide an enforcement mechanism where none exist," Torres said. "And I want to be clear: the legislation would empower the federal Department of Education not to impose a monitor on every college or university, only when there's reason to suspect a violation of Title VI."

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is urging Johnson to bring the bipartisan Countering Antisemitism Act to the floor.

"The effort to crush antisemitism and hatred in any form is not a Democratic or Republican issue" said Jeffries in a statement.

Letter to Speaker Mike Johnson on the Bipartisan Countering Antisemitism Act. pic.twitter.com/z3weUD54zm — Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) April 29, 2024

The bill would establish a senior official in the Department of Education to monitor for antisemitism on college campuses and create a national coordinator in the White House to oversee a new interagency task force to counter antisemitism.

"We have negotiated that bill for nine months. It is bipartisan. It's bicameral," said North Carolina Democrat Kathy Manning, who co-chairs the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism.

Manning was part of a trio of House Democrats who visited Columbia University last week to hear from Jewish students.

Manning points to a study from the American Jewish Committee that found that 46% of American Jews since October 7 say they have altered their behavior out of fear of antisemitism .

"I find that deeply disturbing, that in the United States of America, people are now afraid to be recognized in public as being Jewish," Manning said.