The Obligation to Education in a Consequentialist Lens

In a recent Oklahoma legislature meeting, Republican representative Mike Reynolds asserted "they have no responsibility to ensure access to college education."

The discussion arose in the midst of the ongoing debate of whether or not to expand Oklahoma's Promise. This program provides funding to low-income students for their secondary education. One side believes that it is the state government's job to ensure bright, qualified students get a chance to receive higher education. According to Democratic representative James Lockhart, these students are imperative to help because of their potential future value; it is this type of student "that will cure cancer, create the next big invention or possibly become a great leader."

Reynolds', on the opposition, denied society's responsibility to fund any one else's education and, regardless of how bright a student may be, "their potential benefit is irrelevant." Just to clarify though, Reynolds is not opposed to funding public K-12 education. His support towards providing financial assistance simply stops at the 12th grade level.