State Takeovers, Race, and the Little Rock School District Crisis

• In Event: Doubling Down on Critical Theory: Critical Policy and Discourse Analyses of Education Law and Policy

Abstract

The unilateral state takeover of public schools raises questions of educational and racial equity in urban areas. The unilateral state takeover of the Little Rock School District can be compared to the contested state takeovers in major predominantly Black, urban cities such as Detroit, Memphis, and New Orleans (where Black communities have been disproportionately targeted for state takeover). Through the use of Critical Discourse Analysis, this research finds that the state takeover of public schools in Little Rock has contributed to and continued a legacy of racially motivated and racially subjugating education policy in and against Black communities. Furthermore, this research suggests methods and tactics that may be useful in combatting the state takeover of public schools and school districts.

Authors

• Aaren Nichole Cassidy, The University of Memphis

• Steven Leonice Nelson, The University of Memphis