Exploring the Link Between Neoliberal Globalization and School Fund-Raising in Ontario

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Perspectives of Neoliberalism

Abstract

In Ontario, Canada, the practice of school fundraising to support school programs, activities, and resources within public elementary and secondary schools has become common-practice (Froese-Germain et al., 2006; People for Education, 2008, 2013, 2015). However, there has been an increased reliance on school fundraising and the inequitable distribution of resources has resulted in a two-tiered, ‘have’ and ‘have-not’ public school system (People for Education, 2010; Winsa, 2015). This paper explores the impact that neoliberal globalism has had on Ontario’s school fundraising policy. The paper finds that neoliberal globalism has had a significant impact on public education as the shift toward school fundraising has worked to undermine fundamental tenets of public education including democracy, equality, equity, and the common good.

Author

• Michelle Milani, York University