North Dakota’s Education System: Strengths, Shortcomings, and the Path Forward
In the Peace Garden State, North Dakota’s education system grapples with civic engagement gaps and school safety concerns, while standing strong against the privatization of public schools.
SIENNA BOWEN
North Dakotan Landscape, iStock 2024
When you think of North Dakota, what do you think of? A booming agriculture industry? The breathtaking eastern badlands? Or maybe the most ridiculous event in existence: the Potato Bowl, which combines probably the two most midwestern concepts ever: football and potatoes.
But as a native North Dakotan high school student, when I think of my state, I don’t see any of the concepts mentioned above; I see a state grappling with significant educational challenges that demand urgent attention.
Civic Engagement: A Missed Opportunity
Youth civic participation in North Dakota is alarmingly low 4-H leader Sue Quamme stated in a 2019 interview with North Dakota State University “North Dakota youth are viewed as less civically engaged with their communities and state…troubling news [as] communities see positive changes when youth…are engaged as leaders and volunteers.”
Although this civic disengagement is still an issue, there are actions being taken to try and change that, one being the Leadership and Awareness Weekend, an event that is hosted by NDSU and the 4-H club to try and educate youth on government leadership. Although this event is informational, I believe one event isn’t enough to completely educate the North Dakotan youth on civics. I myself can speak on this. Before my involvement with organizations like the Saphron Initiative, I couldn't even name our governor, what the legislative branch was, or even where I would go once I was old enough to vote. One-off events, while valuable, must be supplemented by a more comprehensive civic education curriculum in our schools and communities.
Glaring Oversight: Lack of Gun Violence Legislation
Perhaps the most major flaw in North Dakota’s education system is the lack of safeguards for the safety of students regarding guns, specifically gun prevention. It’s genuinely appalling seeing the lack of prevention, laws, and other pieces of legislation that mention preventing gun violence in North Dakotan schools. As school shootings become increasingly common and prevalent, firearm violence prevention and safeguards are necessary to ensure the safety of North Dakotan students and schools. How can students learn effectively when their safety is not prioritized?
Everytown Research, an organization focused on national gun legislation, highlights North Dakota’s glaring deficiencies:
No requirement for child safety features on guns.
No mandated school threat assessment teams.
No minimum age for firearm purchases.
No laws requiring firearms to be securely stored, leaving them accessible to unsupervised minors.
I don’t think I’m alone in the opinion that this is inexcusable. Education has a place in schools, not guns. Sadly, North Dakota does not seem to be moving in a direction to put further regulations on firearm violence prevention as Governor Doug Burgum has declared North Dakota as a “Second Amendment Sanctuary State”, offering further protections for firearm owners and further complicating efforts to regulate firearms. Sanctuary is a place of refuge, belonging, and safety. While protecting gun rights is important, declaring North Dakota a sanctuary for firearms only undermines efforts to safeguard students and schools. True sanctuary should mean safety, not only for gun owners but also for the children in our schools
A Defender of Public Education
However, one area that North Dakota has become a leader in is in regard to their opposition of privatization of public schools. Across the United States, schools have emerged that use public funding but are run by private companies, following the format of a for-profit business which are incredibly inconsistent in policy and governance. These schools, known as charter schools have emerged as a very prevalent issue across the United States.
In contrast to other states that heavily support charter schools, North Dakota has supported its public education system. North Dakota has supported its public education system so well that North Dakota was ranked 1st across the entire United States in its support of public schooling and adversity against charter schooling by the Network of Public Education. Additionally, previous legislation, such as HB1532 which attempted to reallocate $10 million dollars of public school funds towards private/charter school funding was vetoed by the Governor of North Dakota, Doug Burgum. By prioritizing public education, North Dakota sets an example for other states.
Looking Towards the Future
Overall, although North Dakota has made some efforts for educational justice, we still have a long way to go. North Dakota’s strong stance and efforts on ending privatization is progress, however that doesn't mean every other educational justice issue can be ignored. Now with the 2025 legislative session coming up soon, North Dakotans have the opportunity and power to make an impact on these growing problems.
To my fellow North Dakotans: Contact your local representatives. Engage in the conversation. Our education system's future depends on our collective action.
Saphron Initiative staff and guest contributors often express their views in pieces on Edisco. These pieces do not constitute an organizational endorsement of the viewpoints within. Our goal is to encourage and uplift student voices and we respect diverse opinions. We encourage all readers to conduct further research and develop informed opinions on the issues discussed.
