Education Policy in the Crosshairs of Political Conflict
Education policy received little to no attention during much of the presidential campaign. But, in the final phase, Donald Trump was asked during a “Fox & Friends” interview how he would fix schools. His reply: “No transgender, no operations.… There are some places, your boy leaves the school, comes back a girl.”
A Pattern of Political Gamesmanship
That was a lie. But it was far from the first time Trump, the Republican Party and a wide-range of conservative activists leveraged fears related to schooling for partisan gain. Over the last three years, there has been a coordinated and intentional political strategy targeting public schools.
The Consequences of Political Conflict
Our team of university researchers spent the past months surveying and interviewing hundreds of school superintendents about the costs of dealing with culturally divisive conflict, such as battles over LGBTQ+ rights, teaching about race and racism, and efforts to ban books. Their answers are troubling. One in 10 were physically threatened. Many were barraged by false rumors and accusations. Two-thirds of the 467 school superintendents in our national survey reported experiencing moderate to high levels of culturally divisive conflict.
The Financial Costs of Conflict
School districts bear significant financial costs as a result. Security, communications, legal work and heightened staff turnover related to conflict all come with price tags and can involve redeployment of staff time. We found that the costs incurred by U.S. public schools’ responses to culturally divisive conflict totaled $3.2 billion during the 2023-24 school year alone. On average, a school district serving 10,000 students is spending nearly $500,000 a year if it is experiencing moderate levels of conflict, and more than $800,000 if conflict levels are high.
The Opportunities Lost
The money public schools are spending on these clashes could be better spent elsewhere. With an additional $3.2 billion, it would be possible to expand the national School Breakfast Program budget by more than half — ensuring more quality and nutritious meals for students in need. Or, such funds could be used to hire an additional counselor or psychologist for every public high school in the country. After-school programs in the arts or STEM might be expanded. The possibilities are nearly endless.
The Broader Educational and Societal Costs
Aside from the sizable financial costs of conflict, there are the broader educational and societal costs. Our survey found chilling effects that are undermining education. Many educators are choosing to not engage students in discussion of issues deemed controversial. A superintendent from a rural district reported, “We are starting to get pushback when we ask kids to form their opinion,” adding that parents have told him, “I will teach my kid what to think.” But schools are a place where young people can learn how to engage in conversation with people who think differently, an important skill in our divisive society.
The Way Forward
Building Public Support
Educators need the public to be engaged and to have their backs. Parents and community members should talk regularly about what they appreciate about educators’ work and the importance of treating all students with dignity and respect.
Standing Against Conflict Campaigns
And if politicians, school board members, parents or others enact conflict campaigns to disrupt and undermine trust, it’s vital that the public speaks out against them. If local communities can help put the conflict entrepreneurs out of business, educators can focus on improving learning. Young people will feel safer and more supported. And schools might just save millions.
Conclusion
The coordinated and intentional political strategy targeting public schools has real-world consequences that are undermining education and siphoning funds away from essential programs. It’s time for educators, parents, and the public to come together and demand better. By creating schools that are welcoming and foster a sense of belonging for all students, we can promote a more equitable and just society.
FAQs
Q: What were the main findings of the survey?
A: The survey found that one in 10 school superintendents were physically threatened, many were barraged by false rumors and accusations, and two-thirds reported experiencing moderate to high levels of culturally divisive conflict.
Q: What were the financial costs of this conflict?
A: The financial costs totaled $3.2 billion during the 2023-24 school year alone, with a school district serving 10,000 students spending nearly $500,000 a year if it is experiencing moderate levels of conflict.
Q: What could the additional $3.2 billion be used for?
A: The additional funds could be used to expand the national School Breakfast Program, hire an additional counselor or psychologist for every public high school, or expand after-school programs in the arts or STEM.
Q: What are the broader educational and societal costs of this conflict?
A: The conflict is leading to chilling effects that are undermining education, with educators choosing to not engage students in discussion of issues deemed controversial. This can undermine the skills young people need to navigate a divisive society.
