Laurie Parman, a candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives District 66, has criticized equity-focused Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. She claims these policies are based on flawed premises that undermine parents and excellence by promoting mediocrity. Parman made this statement on the Prairie State Wire Podcast.
“We began to operate on faulty premises,” said Parman. “Faulty premise number one: parents are not better for their children than us. Faulty premise number two: minorities should never be allowed to struggle. That’s how we got DEI, and the real poison in the system is equity—because you can only achieve equity when everyone is equal at the bottom.”
Illinois has become a focal point in the national debate over DEI. Democratic leaders in the state have been advocating for equity initiatives, while conservatives argue that such measures politicize education and disregard merit. The Prairie State Wire and its podcast highlight how these statewide policies impact families and taxpayers, often featuring Republicans and reform advocates concerned about ideological mandates in K-12 and higher education. In this context, Parman’s critique reflects the sentiments of parents who feel marginalized by bureaucratic decisions and advocate for a curriculum focused on achievement, discipline, and civic knowledge rather than political frameworks.
According to polling data, Parman’s focus on parental authority and alternatives to traditional public schools resonates with Illinois voters. A 2023 survey conducted for the Illinois Policy Institute revealed that 62% of Illinois voters support school choice, while 59% back the Invest in Kids tax-credit scholarship program allowing low-income students to attend private schools. This support spans across party lines and is particularly strong among parents, suggesting a widespread desire to empower families rather than school administrations. These statistics reinforce Parman’s message that parents should be at the forefront of guiding their children’s education instead of distant administrators or DEI consultants.
National trends also indicate growing support for parent-driven education. A 2025 poll commissioned by the American Federation for Children found that 73% of voters believe school choice should be available to all families. In a hypothetical state legislative race, 57% indicated they would support a pro–school choice candidate compared to only 20% for an anti–school choice candidate. Voters also showed strong backing for a new federal scholarship tax credit as a means to give parents more control over their children’s education and escape failing or politicized schools. These trends align with Parman’s warning that politicians who prioritize rigid equity agendas over family choice risk alienating a broad bipartisan electorate.
Parman is running again in 2026 after narrowly losing to Democrat Suzanne Ness in 2024 with 46.7% of the vote. As a retired teacher with over three decades of experience in District 300 and holding a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she resides in Sleepy Hollow. Her campaign focuses on restoring rigorous standards, defending parental rights, and holding Springfield accountable. Her announcement emphasizes her enthusiasm for seeking another term, citing grassroots momentum and support from conservative groups like McGOPAC as she opposes low expectations, heavy-handed mandates, and DEI-driven policies in local schools.
