This is a critical read to understand how well-funded operatives are working to decimate public education. Mitchell’s discussion of how right-wing messaging is transmitted down from right-wing think tanks through billionaire funded Astroturf activist groups to locals repeating the message at school board meetings. Lost in all this are the best interests of Americans students —Maurice T. Cunningham, Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts at Boston, USA and author of Dark Money and the Politics of School Privatization This book encompasses a historical approach to understanding the trends of education censorship. The author examines how we got here, exploring network influences, the inextricable role of the mainstream media in manufacturing social and political divides, the policy impact of censorship, and the implications on schools and youth development. Analysis includes the legislative efforts to undermine Critical Race Theory, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Social-Emotional Learning, as well as the trends to restrict youth rights, including trans and gender-expansive rights related to gender-affirming care, sports bans, and restroom bans. Subsequent chapters provide an overview of the educational system, trends of neoliberalism, standards-based movement, inequities, punitive disciplinary systems – contextualized by the strengths and limitations of the progressive reform movement. Weaving together the effects of the neoliberal education movement, the relationship to education censorship, and the unique connections to political polarization – can help to re-orient us toward solutions, unity, and healing. Brandon D. Mitchell, PhD, MSW is Assistant Professor of Social Work in The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA, USA. |