Howard Fuller: A Voice for Justice and Educational Freedom

When it comes to education reform, few voices have been as bold — or as passionate — as Dr. Howard Fuller. But what drove him to fight for school choice, and why should North Carolina families care?

Dr. Howard Fuller didn’t just talk about justice — he lived it. As a civil rights activist, educator, and former superintendent, he saw firsthand how traditional systems failed low-income and minority students. That’s what led him to champion educational freedom: the belief that every family — not just the wealthy — deserves access to high-quality schooling.

His work helped inspire school choice programs across the country, including scholarships and charters that empower parents to decide what works best for their children. Fuller understood that equity in education doesn’t come from forcing every child into the same mold — it comes from creating options that reflect the diversity of students and communities.

Dr. Fuller’s legacy reminds us that school choice isn’t just about academics. It’s about fairness, freedom, and giving all children a real chance to thrive.

"Harriett Tubman got up everyday and said 'You know what, I want to end slavery.' But in the meantime, I'm going to rescue as many slaves as I can. And I get up saying 'I want the whole system to be better, but in the mean time I have a moral responsibility to rescue every single kid that I can.'"

Hear more from Dr. Fuller in his own words: Power to the People: a conversation with Dr. Howard Fuller