The Networks and Organizing Efforts of Far-Right Movements in California Schools

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  In Roundtable Session: Culture Wars, Curriculum Battles, and Public Schools

Abstract

Objectives or purposes
While much of the research on far-right actors has centered on conservative states like Florida or Texas, our study explores how these networks are also shaping education policy in California–a state historically viewed as a progressive stronghold. We show that local education conflicts across the state are part of a coordinated network of national, state, and local actors working to reframe public education around exclusionary and anti-democratic values (Brewer & Timberlake, 2023; Cowen, 2024).

Perspective(s) or theoretical framework
We situate this study within critical policy analysis (Diem et al., 2014), network analysis traditions in education (Au & Ferrare, 2015; Galey-Horn & Ferrare, 2020; Koon, 2020; 2022), and social movement theory (Castelli Gattinara et al., 2022; Fligstein & McAdam, 2012) to trace how influence flows and how actors mobilize (Davis et al., 2005; Tilly et al., 2019).

Methods, techniques, or modes of inquiry
We used network ethnography (Ball, 2016) and social network analysis (Borgatti et al., 2013) to investigate the structure and growth of far-right mobilization in California education policy. Specifically, we asked: How are far-right groups mobilizing around education and schooling in California? Which groups have emerged? How are they embedded in broader coalitions?

Data sources, evidence, objects, or materials
Our analysis began with a systematic Google News media scan of 75 articles published between 2016 and 2024 that referenced far-right activity in California education. From this scan, we identified 64 core far-right actors explicitly engaged in California education. We then reviewed each organization’s website to document the type of collaboration, coded by organization type and policy focus (e.g., anti-LGBTQ+).

Results and/or substantiated conclusions or warrants for arguments/point of view
We identified a dense and highly coordinated far-right network in California education policy consisting of 490 actors linked through varying degrees of collaboration (Figure 1). Central actors included both national organizations (e.g., Moms for Liberty, Family Research Council, Heritage Foundation) and newer California-based groups (e.g., Californians for Equal Rights Foundation, Protect Kids California, and California Policy Center). Many of these organizations acted as brokers or boundary spanners, meaning they facilitate the flow of ideas, strategies, and resources across national and local contexts. The network structure demonstrates that what appeared to be isolated, local school board efforts were often deeply connected to national actors and coordinated policy campaigns.

Authors

• Huriya Jabbar, University of Southern California

• Danfeng Soto-Vigil Koon, University of San Francisco

• Michael Grigsby, University of Southern California

• Tara Blagg, University of Southern California

• Daniel Espinoza, University of Southern California

• Cecelia Jordan, University of Texas at Austin