Policy Bans on Race and Gender Identity: A Critical and Liberating Policy Analysis

• In Event: Social Science Analyses of Emerging Legal Dilemmas

Abstract

Across the educational spectrum, from early childhood to adults in college, policymakers are banning schools from teaching “divisive concepts,” spewing “indoctrination,” antagonizing students with a “racist weapon.” Building off the extant literature on government-based policy proposals and enactments targeted at identities of educational participants, this study introduces an analysis that draws on legal and policy alternatives or actions as solutions toward a liberating structure. Analyzing 108 bills attacking student identity, the findings highlight several very revealing findings about the policy discourse conveyance about civil rights and civil liberties within public education. Notably, that educational rights and liberties are circumscribed to dominant community values, not an inclusive exploratory environment.

Authors

• Jeffrey C. Sun, University of Louisville
  Presenting Author

• Philip T.K. Daniel, The Ohio State University
  Presenting Author