“Parents’ rights” campaigns: Targeting school books and curricula

“Parents’ rights” campaigns: Targeting school books and curricula

Author: Ethical Schools May 1, 2023 Duration: 31:15

Dr. Melissa Deckman, CEO of PRRI, Public Religion Research Institute, analyzes current “parents’ rights” campaigns and their precedents. At a time of demographic change, conservative Christians seek to ban books and curricula that conflict with their educational agenda. Dr. Deckman discusses the use of social media and the importance of where people get their news in shaping these battles. PRRI’s polling data show what parents and the public think about school issues.

Overview

00:00-00:58 Intros

00:58-07:00 Demands of “parental rights” activists

07:00-09:32 Historical “parental rights” campaigns

09:32-11:00 Relationship of campaigns to weakening funding or support for public schools

11:00-12:49 Parents’ opinions about these campaigns

12:49-14:30 Role of Fox News and social media in campaigns

14:30-15:38 Social media use by activists opposing these campaigns

15:38-22:42 Relationship of these campaigns to race and racism

22:42-23:31 Impact of demographic change

23:31-25:22 Are these “winning issues:” for candidates?

25:22-25:56 Why issues will continue

25:56-27:43 PRRI’s work and how people can access it

27:43- Outro

Transcript


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

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