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By Christi Lynn, Vice President, Communications and Engagement 

It's only natural that a sense of patriotism swells in most people who drive across the Potomac River and by the National Mall, which is home to historic memorials that honor the men who have fought for this country and the values on which it was built. This neighborhood was the backdrop for ACSI’s 2023 Public Policy and Advocacy Summit, held this past September 18th–20th. The Summit is an annual ACSI event dedicated to equipping Christian School Leaders with tools to advocate for Christian education when talking with elected officials on Capitol Hill or back at home. 

The pre-event began with an information-packed legal training session led by Katherine Schweit, who is an attorney and retired FBI Special Agent. She created and led the FBI’s Active Shooter Program after the Sandy Hook shooting. During her presentation, Schweit shared some rather alarming data and provided practical tips for preparing for emergency situations. “You’ll be judged on how you care for your school community during an emergency, not the size of the emergency,” she stated...  

ACSI’s Vice President for Legal Affairs, Philip Scott, Esq., wrapped up the pre-session by sharing recent policy updates.  

The full event formally began with an extraordinary gala dinner at the Museum of the Bible, featuring views of the Washington Monument and Capitol building in the distance. The Honorable Michele Bachmann provided an inspirational keynote address that highlighted her personal dedication to Jesus Christ and her commitment to Christian education for all five of her children. Christian school leaders who have exhibited unprecedented courage and advocacy were also honored during this time.  

“The Case for Advocacy” started off the second day with presentations by ACSI’s Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs, P. George Tryfiates, and National Director for State Advocacy Jay McCurry. Christiana Kiefer from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) made a compelling case for the “Protection of Women’s and Girls’ Sports” followed by panel presentations on “Educational Choice and School Safety.”  

Senators Tommy Tuberville (AL) and Ted Cruz (TX) made special appearances, and both cheered on the Christian education movement. There were sessions that educated Christian school leaders on how to make a congressional visit and where to find ongoing resources to aid their local efforts. Speakers Dr. Mark Batterson, a pastor and author, and Dr. Barry Black, U.S. Senate chaplain, also encouraged and inspired PPLA Summit attendees in their efforts to stand for righteousness.  

This event, the largest ever held in its 25-year history, was strategically held in front of the Department of Education. The 2024 Public Policy and Advocacy Summit is already scheduled for September 16–18 in Washington, D.C. Occurring just days before a presidential election, next year’s Summit will be imbued with timeliness and gravitas, as it will be as crucial as ever for educators to be encouraged, informed, and educated regarding advocating for Christians schools.