Representative Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida, and his wife, Erika, were featured speakers at an event hosted by the Truth & Liberty Coalition in early 2021. This group advocates for the incorporation of Christianity into public schools and other institutions, with its leader having strong views against homosexuality. The Donalds were praised for their involvement in education, with Mr. Donalds creating a school voucher program and Ms. Donalds opening a charter school.
Mr. Donalds, a self-proclaimed “poor kid from Brooklyn,” encouraged the audience to be bold in pursuing their interests. His career has been marked by a focus on public education reform, evangelical Christianity, and support for Donald J. Trump. Despite being a relatively new congressman, Mr. Donalds has quickly risen to prominence as a vocal advocate for conservative causes.
The Donalds’ influence extends beyond Florida, where they have been actively involved in the education landscape. They have been part of a network seeking to reshape public education by promoting charter and private schools over traditional public schools. Mr. Donalds has supported legislation giving outside groups more control over school curriculums, aligning with Governor Ron DeSantis’s efforts to regulate school libraries and teaching content.
The couple’s advocacy work has also been tied to their business ventures. While Mr. Donalds focused on legislative changes to expand school choice, Ms. Donalds established a company managing charter schools. Their intertwined careers have raised some concerns about potential conflicts of interest, but both have emphasized their commitment to improving education options for children.
Mr. Donalds’s trajectory in education policy can be traced back to his upbringing in Brooklyn and his mother’s emphasis on school choice. His conversion to evangelical Christianity, influenced by his wife, further shaped his views on education and led them to become actively involved in education reform efforts in Florida.
Their involvement in various education initiatives, including advocating for parental rights and supporting policies that prioritize school choice, has garnered attention and praise from conservative circles. Despite facing criticism and controversies, the Donalds remain dedicated to their vision for transforming the education system in the United States.
