In what BRIGHT (the Federalist) editors describe as “powerful testimony” from Denise Ladson Johnson, the South Carolina mother of three explained to Congress how the pandemic had affected her children, their education, and their lives.

“I know that it is customary for Members of Congress to ask congressional hearing witnesses questions. I also have questions for you: Do you share my concern that our kids are in crisis after losing over a year of learning and socialization? Are you also angry that the billions in “emergency” federal funding are not providing the tutoring and support kids desperately need? And will you speak up for parents and students, so that families have educational opportunities that meet their needs?”

“…I was grateful to the women of Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) for sharing my story on a national level as part of their Pandemic Learning storytelling effort earlier this year. I know I’m not alone, nor are my children or the children that come through my center. There are thousands — maybe millions — of parents and children with a similar story to mine.”