"They Don't Value Us as Human Beings": Centering Students in Policy Research and Processes

• In Event: Beyond (Neo)Liberalism in Education Policy and Practice: Creating New Democratic Possibilities

Abstract

Leveraging a blend of qualitative critical race methodologies, this paper explores the potential of centering students’ of color critical interrogations in policy research and policymaking processes. In their critical reflections of the legislative efforts to eliminate the Mexican American Studies (MAS) program, students noted the policymaking reflected how educational leaders instill systems of oppression. In their interrogation of the HB 2281 process, students also noted the legislative hearings showed educational leaders did not value students of color as human beings. These preliminary findings indicate students of color possess indispensable knowledge, insights, and expertise critical for deconstructing inequitable policymaking processes. The findings from this paper demonstrate students’ contributions are essential in the design and creation of justice-seeking policy processes and research.

Author

• Ambar Hernandez Negrete, University of California - Davis