What happens when constitutional rights exist on paper, but the government refuses to enforce them?

In this episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book take a deep dive into the growing tension between constitutional rights, separation of powers, and public education funding in North Carolina. Using the ongoing Leandro school funding case as a backdrop, they explore what it means when courts issue rulings that are ignored, delayed, or weakened by political actors—and what that means for students, families, and everyday citizens.

Renee examines the constitutional questions at the heart of the Leandro litigation, including the role of the judiciary in protecting rights when legislatures fail to act. Susan connects those issues to the realities facing North Carolina's public schools, from teacher shortages and special education challenges to the broader consequences of chronic underfunding. Together, they discuss why elections, judicial races, and local advocacy matter more than ever in shaping the future of public education and civil rights.

The conversation also touches on federal education policy, the importance of protecting vulnerable students, the impact of language and public discourse, and how advocates can continue pushing for meaningful change even in difficult political moments.

If you care about public education, constitutional rights, school funding, education policy, civic engagement, advocacy, North Carolina politics, special education, judicial accountability, and democracy, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Topics Covered:

The Leandro school funding case
Constitutional rights and public education
Separation of powers and judicial authority
North Carolina Supreme Court decisions
Teacher shortages and school funding
Special education advocacy
Civic engagement and voting
State and federal education policy
Protecting students' rights
Everyday advocacy in action

(1:29) - How NC Amendments Work (3:15) - Distraction and Turnout Tactics (6:06) - Locking Power in the Constitution (12:59) - Tax and Voter ID Changes (17:46) - Legislative Chaos and Burnout (19:12) - Andor Manifesto Inspiration (21:04) - Call to Action

About Advocacy Bites: Hosted by Renee Sekel and Susan Book, Advocacy Bites explores what it means to be an everyday advocate and provides practical ways for listeners to get involved in issues affecting their communities, public education, and public policy.