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Parents refusing to buy school supplies ignite heated back-to-school debate

By Heather Hunter July 30, 2025 | updated 21 hours ago

A frustrated teacher‘s fiery TikTok rant has reignited a long-standing and emotionally charged debate: Who should foot the bill for classroom supplies: schools, teachers, or parents?

The controversy exploded when Randi (@Randipandy_) posted a now-viral video from her car, blasting parents who refuse to buy even basic items for the classroom.

“Just so we’re clear, I’m expected to take a bullet for little Johnny and his classmates,” she said. “But little Johnny’s mother does not see it fit to provide for the community with some Clorox wipes, some tissues, maybe an extra pack of pencils?”

@randipandy_

cool cool cool

#teachersoftiktok #schoolsupplies #parentsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Randi

Her post struck a nerve, resonating with educators already stretched thin, and riling parents who argue that classroom essentials should be the school’s responsibility, not theirs.

Some parents took to social media to defend their stance, citing financial stress and past frustrations.

“I do not buy school supplies,” one mother, @amandamarie7716, said in a video. “Teachers take all the supplies and say, ‘Don’t write your name on it.’ I bought them for my child, not the whole class. And if you’re gonna be picky about the brands, you can buy them yourself.”

This Mother says she doesn’t buy school supplies… at all. What’s your take? pic.twitter.com/W2DbsctOBX

— TheLizVariant (@TheLizVariant)

July 29, 2025

Another mother, @Teresaplusgive, vented: “Could you please tell me why we have such a big list for each child, and then every three months, we need more supplies? I don’t get it.”

The topic made its way to Fox & Friends on Wednesday, where co-hosts offered differing perspectives.

“Some parents can’t afford it, and some can,” co-host Ainsley Earhardt said.

Steve Doocy added, “Should we have to pay for school supplies? The answer is absolutely not. But many schools don’t have enough resources… If you don’t want to help, the alternative is raising taxes, and nobody wants that.”

Earhardt noted that teachers often spend their own money to keep classrooms running.

The debate lit up comment sections across platforms.

“I remember a time when nobody EVER had to buy school supplies. What changed?” one user asked on X.

“As a teacher, I’m over it,” another educator wrote. “Some parents donate, others don’t. We find ways to make it work.”

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Others pointed to the imbalance in tax priorities: “Parents should be able to write off the cost of school supplies, just like billionaires write off their jets,” one user argued.

“There is ZERO reason parents should have to buy classroom supplies, especially in a district like mine where property taxes are outrageous,” another chimed in.

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Heather Hunter

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