The Politics That Divide Us: What Happens When National Debates Go Local?

• In Event: Perspectives on School Board Power and Political Activism

Abstract

We examine how outside, national influences and the issues they champion do or do not impact the day-to-day functioning of local school boards. Do board members who were backed by partisan national groups continue to press for change on nationalized, divisive issues or do they return to the more typical school board focus on localized issues? After the fervor dies down, does the tone of meeting and public comment return to more civil discussion? We investigate whether the presence of Moms For Liberty plays a key role in shaping the norms and procedures of school board functioning. To examine these questions, we conduct a stratified case study of fifteen school boards across the U.S.

Authors

• Annie Gensterblum, Michigan State University

• Sandy Frost Waldron, Southern Methodist University

• Ariell R. Bertrand, Michigan State University

• Rebecca Jacobsen, Michigan State University