At the California Young Republican Federation’s recent convention, young conservatives got a provocative discussion on education and school choice from a seasoned panel of leaders.
State Senator Tony Strickland, Orange County Board of Education Trustee Mari Barke, Lakeside Union School District Trustee Andrew Hayes, and Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy Dean Pete Peterson laid out what’s at stake in America’s schools and what conservatives need to do to protect them.
The message was simple but powerful. Get involved. Attend K–12 school board meetings. Hold school board members accountable. Organize walkouts when needed. Run for office. And as I’ve said before, teach.
If conservatives are serious about reclaiming our schools, we can’t just talk about it. We must show up and participate.
The panelists made a strong case for School Choice and Charter Schools, arguing that giving parents more options forces school districts to perform better and compete for students. It’s a proven way to empower families instead of bureaucrats.
SEE ALSO: The Now Generation: Inside the California Young Republicans Convention
The discussion also highlighted the political battlefield over school funding. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump are locked in a fight, each leveraging purse strings to influence education policy.
While Trump and red-state governors use that leverage to drive real reform, Newsom has threatened to cut funding to any California university that aligns with the Trump administration’s higher-ed reforms, showing just how politicized education policy has become.
Against this backdrop, Dean Peterson described what he called a revolution in higher education. He believes today’s young conservatives are living through a cultural shift not seen since the Reagan generation, a moment when young Americans rediscovered their voice, values, and vision for the country.
He pointed to conservative-led reforms across the country that are reshaping universities and restoring balance to the classroom.
In Ohio, Utah, and Florida, new laws now emphasize civics, accountability, and Western civilization. In Ohio, students are required to study "The Federalist Papers" and "The Wealth of Nations." Utah established a civic center at Utah State University to oversee general education. And in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has led the charge against what he calls “woke ideology.”
At the same time, the Trump administration’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education lays out guiding principles for universities that emphasize defending academic freedom, equality in admissions, institutional neutrality, and fiscal transparency.
In short, it’s about returning higher education to its true purpose: a marketplace of ideas, not indoctrination.
But perhaps the most striking moment of the discussion came when Peterson declared,
“I believe we are witnessing a watershed moment in American education.”
He argued that four cultural flashpoints are driving a national awakening among parents, students, and educators alike:
- COVID-19: Parents listening in on remote learning discovered what was really being taught in classrooms.
- Post–October 7th Protests: College campuses became flashpoints for radical activism, with rallies openly supporting Hamas.
- Education Budgets: Trump and conservative governors have used funding control to advance meaningful policy change.
- Charlie Kirk’s Assassination: The shocking assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk on a college campus during a debate of ideas underscored just how far ideological conflict has gone.
According to Peterson, these moments have empowered conservatives nationwide to reclaim influence from kindergarten classrooms to college campuses.
That energy carried through the panel’s core message. Don’t just watch from the sidelines. Participate. Show up, take action, and, if necessary, step into the classroom yourself.
Because in the end, our schools aren’t just places of learning. They’re the front lines in the battle for America’s future.
Editor’s Note: The Schumer Shutdown is here. Rather than put the American people first, Chuck Schumer and the radical Democrats forced a government shutdown for healthcare for illegals. They own this.
Help us continue to report the truth about the Schumer Shutdown. Use promo code POTUS47 to get 74% off your VIP membership.