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Public education is the key civil rights issue of the 21st century. Our nation's knowledge-based economy demands that we provide young people from all backgrounds and circumstances with the education and skills necessary to become knowledge workers. If we don't, we run the risk of creating an even larger gap between the middle class and the poor. This gap threatens our democracy, our society and the economic future of America.
Eli Broad
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Public education is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of background.

This quote emphasizes the importance of public education as a fundamental civil rights issue in the 21st century. It argues that in order to thrive in a knowledge-based economy, we must equip all young people with the necessary education and skills, lest we exacerbate the socioeconomic divide that can endanger democracy and the future of society.

Themes

EducationCivil RightsKnowledgeEconomyInequality

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about educational reform, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of equal access to education.

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