This weekend’s release of “Won’t Back Down” has helped shine the spotlight on school choice. Heritage would like to keep it there, which is why we produced a short new video about the importance of parental choice in education.
Frustrated by the status quo and failing schools, more and more parents are demanding a choice for their children. That’s the plot of “Won’t Back Down,” which showcases how two committed parents take on the establishment. It’s based on actual events that stemmed from the parent-trigger law in California. The law allows parents to organize and, with the support of at least 50 percent, implement reform measures such as converting to a charter school or changing leadership.
>> Q&A: “Won’t Back Down” Producer Brings School Choice to Big Screen
With a cast of stars, including Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis, the movie has already prompted protests from union leaders like Randi Weingarten and opponents of school choice.
Education reformers appear to be winning. Last year was dubbed “The Year of School Choice” by the Wall Street Journal. More than a dozen states enacted school-choice legislation, empowering parents to choose a safe and effective education for their children. Heritage defines those choices as public, private, charter, online, and home school opportunities.
The video runs about two-and-a-half minutes. It was produced by Ben Howe of Mister Smith Media. For more videos from Heritage, subscribe to our YouTube channel.