PDF Summary:They Came for the Schools, by Mike Hixenbaugh

In They Came for the Schools, Mike Hixenbaugh examines the contentious battles taking place in public schools across America. As suburban communities grow more diverse, schools face challenges in fostering inclusivity while respecting different racial, cultural, and gender identities.

The book goes behind the scenes in Southlake, Texas, where the Carroll Independent School District's diversity plan sparked a fierce backlash from conservative parents and Christian nationalist groups. Hixenbaugh explores the broader implications of this conflict, including the psychological toll on minority students and the exodus of teachers from hostile environments.

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Context

• There are ongoing legal debates about whether such limitations infringe on free speech or academic freedom, with some arguing that they may violate constitutional rights.
• Changes in educational policy, such as the introduction of charter schools and voucher programs, can facilitate the inclusion of specific ideological content by allowing more flexibility in curriculum design.
• Public schools are intended to be secular institutions that provide education without endorsing or promoting any particular religious belief. This is meant to ensure that all students receive an education that is free from religious bias.

Students and families from non-Christian backgrounds, as well as those who identified as LGBTQ, often felt marginalized due to the inclusion of Christian prayer, symbols, and teachings in public schools.

Advocates striving to blend religious convictions with government functions have taken advantage of the prevailing political climate to push for educational regulations and legislation that blur the line between faith and state, including initiatives to allow prayer in educational settings. The writer highlights the boldness of such conduct, noting that a Texas state legislator held a spiritual observance in the central rotunda of the state capitol to mark the beginning of the legislative period for the year 2023.

Other Perspectives

• Marginalization is a subjective experience, and while some students and families might feel this way, others might interpret the presence of Christian elements in education as a non-coercive part of the cultural landscape rather than an exclusionary practice.
• Some might contend that the initiatives for prayer in educational settings are not a top-down imposition of religion but rather a response to grassroots demands from communities and families who want religious practices included in their children's education.
• The holding of a spiritual observance in the state capitol's central rotunda could be seen as a violation of the separation of church and state, as it may imply government endorsement of a particular religion.

Discussions surrounding educational content that mirror societal divisions and political discord also extend to the materials found in library collections.

Educational institutions have become battlegrounds for conservative groups over matters like curriculum, access to library resources, and the entitlements of LGBTQ students, mirroring wider societal cultural disputes.

Conflicts over curricular materials and school programs addressing issues of race, gender, and sexual identity.

As demographic changes and shifting societal standards took hold, a parental movement spread across the country aiming to remove school materials and books deemed inappropriate for young audiences.

Conservative parents have been pushing to prohibit or restrict content they find unacceptable or unsuitable, frequently invoking broad laws that challenge the inclusion of educational material associated with critical race theory.

The author examines the tactics used by conservative advocates who leveraged vaguely worded statutes, ostensibly aimed at critical race theory, along with the broad desire to protect children's well-being, to launch a significant campaign to limit a range of educational materials and literature. PEN America, a free speech advocacy group, documented a surge in book bans between 2021 and 2022, with many of the removed titles addressing issues of race, racism, or featuring LGBTQ characters. The literature was frequently justified by asserting that it exposed young readers to material unsuitable for their age and growth.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer to review books, games, and other media for parent groups or local libraries. By providing thoughtful and balanced reviews, you contribute to a broader understanding of content suitability, which can aid other parents in making informed decisions without imposing restrictions.
• Enhance your critical thinking skills by writing reflective essays on the subject. Choose a specific aspect of critical race theory as it relates to education and write an essay that explores your personal views, questions, and any conflicting feelings you might have. This exercise will help you clarify your stance and articulate your thoughts more coherently.
• You can enhance your understanding of educational policies by analyzing the language used in local school board meeting minutes and statutes. Start by accessing these documents online, which are often publicly available, and look for terms that could be interpreted in multiple ways. This will give you a clearer picture of how language is used to shape education in your area and could reveal the subtleties in policy that may have broader implications.
• You can start a blog focused on child safety and well-being, sharing tips and resources for parents and caregivers. By creating content that emphasizes the importance of protecting children, you can raise awareness and potentially influence a broader audience. For example, write about lesser-known safety hazards in the home or review child safety products, providing valuable information that can spur readers to take action.
• Start a virtual book club focused on reading and discussing books that have been banned or challenged in recent years. This not only raises awareness about the issue of censorship but also allows for a deeper understanding of the content that's being disputed. You could use social media platforms to connect with others interested in the topic and organize monthly discussions using video conferencing tools.
• Engage young readers in discussions about the themes and content they encounter in books. After they read a book, ask them questions about how they felt about the content, what they learned, and if there was anything they didn't understand or found uncomfortable. This open dialogue can help you gauge their maturity level and readiness for different types of material, allowing you to tailor future reading selections more effectively.

Educators endure harassment and disciplinary actions, risking their jobs as they strive to deliver comprehensive and factual education.

Hixenbaugh contends that such limitations fostered a setting where, wary of potential consequences, educators began to engage in self-censorship. In light of recent events, a multitude of teachers quickly extracted specific volumes from their educational spaces and avoided topics that might provoke controversy. In the state of Texas, regulations required the introduction of fresh procedures for assessing academic materials and mandated additional training for educators, all intended to avoid sensitive subjects, which in turn redirected valuable time away from curriculum creation and interactive learning experiences for students.

Other Perspectives

• The term "harassment" could be subjective, and what some may view as harassment, others might see as legitimate accountability or feedback from parents and community stakeholders.
• Educators may choose to self-censor not solely due to potential consequences but also because of personal beliefs or a desire to maintain a neutral classroom environment.
• The avoidance of controversial topics does not necessarily prevent issues; it may sometimes lead to a lack of critical thinking and debate skills among students.
• The implementation of new procedures and training could be seen as an investment in education, aiming to raise the standard of teaching and learning within the state.
• Regulations may be intended not to avoid sensitive subjects entirely but to ensure that they are presented in a balanced and age-appropriate manner.

Conflicts arose over the recognition and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals within public educational institutions.

Parents and conservative lawmakers united in their response to the presence of material related to LGBTQ topics, seeking to significantly reduce or entirely eliminate such content from schools. Public concerns led to the enactment of legislation prohibiting any discussion of LGBTQ identities, which subsequently escalated the harassment of teachers who supported these students.

The resistance to measures aimed at acknowledging and supporting those who are part of the LGBTQ community.

Hixenbaugh highlights the increasing frequency of unfounded accusations against school and library personnel for allegedly guiding children inappropriately by providing them with books that include main characters who are LGBTQ. The narrative describes an incident where a parent from Grapevine-Colleyville charged a teacher with filling her children's minds with LGBTQ "ideology," showcasing the manner in which such expressions are employed to reprimand educators.

Practical Tips

• Create a resource list of age-appropriate LGBTQ educational materials and share it with educators and parents in your network. This list could include books, articles, and websites that provide accurate information about LGBTQ topics. By doing so, you can help ensure that the content children are exposed to is both appropriate and informative, potentially reducing the likelihood of unfounded accusations.
• Encourage open dialogue with your children about inclusivity and respect for diversity. Use age-appropriate language to discuss different family structures, relationships, and identities. This can be done through storytime with books that feature diverse characters or by watching educational programs that celebrate diversity.

The legislation commonly referred to as "Don't Say Gay" in Florida aims to substantially reduce discussions and visibility of LGBTQ identities within educational environments.

The Florida statute, commonly known as the "Don't Say Gay" law, which barred discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms, established a model for similar measures nationwide, intensifying the sense of exclusion felt by LGBTQ students and contributing to an already hostile environment in educational settings for these young individuals. The book tells of Nicolette Solomon, a lesbian educator teaching fourth grade in Miami-Dade County, who resigned from her position rather than comply with the new law, underscoring the implicit message from Florida that individuals who identify as LGBTQ are unwelcome within its school system.

Practical Tips

• You can foster inclusivity by diversifying your personal library with books that celebrate LGBTQ identities. By consciously choosing literature that represents a wide array of experiences, you're not only educating yourself but also supporting authors and stories that may be marginalized by such legislation. For example, next time you're at a bookstore or library, look for works by LGBTQ authors or books with LGBTQ protagonists and themes.
• Consider volunteering with organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth, as this can be a direct way to impact individuals who may not receive support in educational environments. Through mentoring or participating in programs, you provide a safe space for open discussion and personal growth. For instance, joining a program that pairs you with LGBTQ+ youth for regular check-ins can make a significant difference in their lives.
• Start a discussion group with friends or neighbors to explore the implications of new legal measures. By gathering diverse perspectives, you can collectively brainstorm ways these laws might affect your community and consider proactive responses.
• Consider wearing symbols of allyship, such as rainbow pins or pronoun badges, to visibly show your support for LGBTQ peers. This simple act can make a significant difference in making others feel accepted and can encourage conversations about inclusivity.

The political disputes had concrete repercussions that were felt by students, teachers, and the settings of their interactions.

The upheaval related to matters of race, gender, and sexual identity has led to the exit of experienced teachers from public schools, consequently subjecting students to increasingly hostile learning atmospheres.

An inhospitable environment and a lack of support from the administration compelled educators to leave public schools.

The author highlights that during that time, a quarter of teachers modified their instructional approaches or course content to avoid controversial topics, and one in three contemplated exiting their teaching careers. An increasing number of school districts are facing a scarcity of teachers, a situation that is attributed to the exodus of educators from public schools, which is connected to a politically contentious environment and the belief that there is insufficient backing from the school administrators.

Educators, including Em Ramser, found themselves in challenging circumstances where they had to decide between self-censorship or risking their jobs.

Mike Hixenbaugh narrates the episode where Em Ramser, who taught English at Grapevine High School, came under parental scrutiny after a student, who had been reported missing, was found with "The Prince and the Dressmaker" in their backpack. Ramser faced allegations of endorsing LGBTQ ideology to children, and although the book was innocuous and not part of the formal syllabus, this resulted in her being subjected to cyberbullying and endangerment of her safety.

Context

• Schools typically have policies and committees that review and approve books for classroom use, but teachers may also have personal collections or recommend books that are not officially part of the curriculum.
• The rise of social media has amplified the visibility of such incidents, often leading to rapid public scrutiny and sometimes harassment of individuals involved.
• The situation underscores the tension between parental involvement in educational content and the autonomy of educators to select materials that they believe will benefit their students' learning and personal development.
• The incident occurred in a broader context of increasing debates over educational content in schools, particularly regarding LGBTQ topics. This has led to heightened tensions and scrutiny over what is deemed appropriate for students.

The school districts in question faced a decline in educational outcomes and a scarcity of educators.

The barrage of disapproval, coupled with a lack of support from educational and political figures, forced Ramser to dismantle her classroom library and to obtain approval for all reading materials, which diminished her autonomy and enthusiasm for teaching. She ultimately stepped down, citing the hostile environment prevalent throughout the school district as the main reason for her resignation.

Practical Tips

• Conduct informal surveys or interviews with teachers, parents, and students in your community to gather diverse perspectives on educational quality. Use social media or community forums to reach out and compile the insights you receive. This grassroots approach to data collection can reveal patterns and specific areas in need of attention, which you can then share with school boards or community groups to inform decision-making processes.
• Engage in community-based tutoring or mentoring programs to provide additional academic support to students. By offering your time to help students with homework, reading, or other subjects, you can contribute to their learning experience and reduce the strain on overburdened teachers. Look for local non-profits or libraries that organize tutoring sessions and see how you can get involved.
• Practice assertive communication by role-playing scenarios with a friend where you receive disapproval. Work on expressing your perspective calmly and confidently without being defensive. This exercise can improve your communication skills and prepare you for handling real-life situations of disapproval more effectively.
• Develop a persuasive presentation tailored to the interests of potential supporters. Research the backgrounds and interests of the people you want to influence, and craft your message to resonate with their values and priorities. Use this presentation in one-on-one meetings or small gatherings to gain their support.
• Transform a personal space into a learning hub by swapping out traditional storage for modular, multi-purpose furniture that doubles as bookshelves and seating. This encourages a dynamic environment where learning and relaxation coexist, much like a classroom library, but in a home setting. For example, use ottomans with storage inside to keep books, which can be pulled out for reading sessions.
• Develop a habit of writing a brief summary or review of every book or article you read. This practice encourages critical thinking and ensures that you're actively engaging with the material, rather than passively consuming it. After finishing a reading, take a few minutes to jot down the main points and your personal takeaways, which can also serve as a reference for future reflection.
• Experiment with decision-making in low-stakes situations to build confidence in your autonomy. Begin with choices that have minimal consequences, like deciding the menu for your meals or choosing a new route for your daily walk. As you grow more comfortable making these decisions, gradually increase the stakes by making choices that have a longer-term impact, such as planning a weekend trip or investing in a hobby. This practice will help you trust your judgment and reinforce your ability to act independently.
• Try integrating a new, interactive teaching tool or game into your lessons each week to keep the classroom environment dynamic and engaging. For example, use a classroom response system like Kahoot to create quizzes that students can participate in using their smartphones, making learning more fun and interactive.
• Reflect on your career satisfaction by journaling your feelings and experiences at work for a month. This can help you identify patterns and decide if a change is necessary. For example, if you consistently write about feeling unfulfilled or stressed, it might be time to consider a new path.
• Initiate a peer support group at your workplace to discuss challenges and share coping mechanisms. This can be an informal, regular meet-up where colleagues can talk about their experiences in a safe space, fostering a sense of community and collective problem-solving.

Students identifying as LGBTQ, as well as those from various racial backgrounds, increasingly feel isolated and vulnerable within their learning settings.

The author highlights the lasting damage that can result when conversations about crucial issues like racial identity and the spectrum of sexual preferences and gender identities are stifled, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

Initiatives by parents and political figures aimed at minimizing or overlooking the unique identities and individual histories of students from underrepresented groups have resulted in specific consequences.

Hixenbaugh tells the story of Ren, a transgender student from the Grapevine-Colleyville area, who made efforts to move in with their more accepting father. Sharla, who was the mother of the student, believed that her child's gender identity was influenced by the progressive ideologies promoted by teachers and LGBTQ groups, leading to tension within the family and culminating in Ren's relocation to Oregon.

Context

• These often include beliefs in social equality, diversity, and inclusion, particularly regarding gender and sexual orientation, which can influence educational and community environments.
• The Grapevine-Colleyville area is located in Texas, a state known for its conservative stance on many social issues, which can create challenging environments for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Other Perspectives

• The development of gender identity can be a complex process influenced by a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and social elements, not just the ideologies of certain groups or individuals.

Students embroiled in contentious school disputes often encounter reduced opportunities for learning and personal development.

The author suggests that the limited availability of diverse literature and the deliberate actions of conservative activists and school board members hinder students' understanding of various perspectives, cultural distinctions, and non-traditional ways of living by limiting classroom discussions. Hixenbaugh is skeptical about whether these restrictions protect young people or instead aim to impose a single viewpoint on them.

Other Perspectives

• Access to diverse literature does not guarantee that students will engage with or understand the material in a way that broadens their perspectives.
• The focus on traditional viewpoints could be seen as an attempt to preserve cultural heritage and historical perspectives that proponents believe are underrepresented or at risk of being lost.
• Limiting certain materials could be seen as a way to uphold community standards and values, which may vary widely from one region to another.
• The skills gained from navigating school disputes, such as advocacy, communication, and resilience, can be valuable for personal development beyond traditional academic learning.

The evolution and historical context of these issues, as well as the broader societal and governmental forces shaping them

The author connects current disputes in education to a long-standing series of similar discussions within the American public schooling framework, illustrating that these issues arise from persistent worries about the evolution of cultural norms and the progression of community values.

The extended conflict over the role of religion, race, and individual identity within the educational framework of the United States.

Hixenbaugh argues that the ongoing disputes over what books should contain and the character of classroom conversations echo past disputes about integrating students of diverse races, religious practices, and teaching evolutionary concepts. He examines the protests of 1974 in a region identified as Kanawha County, West Virginia, which targeted the adoption of educational materials that included diverse cultural perspectives, showcasing a recurring pattern of opposition to the acceptance of diversity and a preference for maintaining a specific perspective.

Debates from the past concerning racial integration of schools, the inclusion of prayer in education, and the instruction of evolutionary theory have laid the groundwork for current conversations within the realm of education.

Efforts during the 1970s and '80s to challenge secular humanism laid the groundwork for current efforts to infuse public education with values based on traditional Christian beliefs. The two movements were fueled by apprehensions regarding the influence of certain educational content and sought to limit the liberties of underrepresented communities by focusing on aspects of the curriculum that challenged established societal standards.

Context

• In the 1970s, busing was used as a tool to achieve integration, leading to further debates and sometimes violent protests. These policies aimed to address de facto segregation that persisted despite legal mandates.
• Subsequent court cases, such as Abington School District v. Schempp (1963), further defined the boundaries of religious activities in schools, reinforcing the separation of church and state.
• The debate influences state and national educational standards, with some states attempting to introduce language that encourages critical analysis of evolution.
• This period in the United States was marked by a conservative backlash against the social changes of the 1960s, including the civil rights movement and the sexual revolution. Many conservatives sought to reassert traditional values in various aspects of society, including education.
• The push for racial integration in schools followed the Civil Rights Movement, aiming to dismantle segregation. Resistance often came from those who believed integration threatened established social norms.
• During the late 20th century, secular humanism was perceived by some as a threat to traditional religious values. Critics argued that it promoted a worldview that excluded religious perspectives, leading to a push for educational reforms that would reintroduce Christian principles.
• These movements often targeted specific subjects like science and history, aiming to alter or supplement curricula to reflect their values, such as by advocating for the inclusion of creationist theories in science classes.

The rise of Christian conservatism sought to strengthen the integration of religious values in public schooling.

During the 1970s, conservative religious factions gained significant influence, a period characterized by a zealous campaign against homosexuality in Florida led by a prominent figure, which coincided with the growing efforts for LGBTQ and women's rights, laying the groundwork for the current resistance to educational policies promoting diversity and inclusion.

Context

• This period saw the formation of influential groups like the Moral Majority, founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979, which aimed to mobilize conservative Christians as a political force.
• Conservative religious groups frequently engaged in legal battles and supported legislation aimed at promoting their values in the educational system, such as the Equal Access Act of 1984, which allowed religious groups to meet in public schools.
• The campaign against homosexuality in Florida during the 1970s was notably led by Anita Bryant, a singer and orange juice spokesperson, who became a prominent anti-gay rights activist.
• The 1970s witnessed significant legal advancements, such as the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion nationwide, and the push for the inclusion of sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws.
• The resistance was also fueled by legal battles over school curricula, such as the inclusion of sex education and discussions of evolution versus creationism, which were seen as conflicting with religious teachings.

The conflicts within local educational leadership reflect wider divisions that are prevalent across the entire United States.

The dispute over public education in places like Southlake, as described by Hixenbaugh, goes beyond simple local disputes and reflects broader worries about the direction in which the country's future is headed, particularly among those who view shifts in demographic makeup and social norms as a danger.

The narrative of Southlake became intricately connected to Christian nationalist ideologies, which were embraced and tactically utilized by the Republican Party to gain an edge in elections.

The author draws a clear link between the intensifying disputes among school board members and the growing sway of Christian nationalism among Republican Party members. David Barton's portrayal of the nation's founders as proponents of a government deeply entwined with Christian principles contributed to a distorted view of American history and fueled doubts about the public education system. This narrative, often echoed by conservative figures, stresses the belief that public schools are challenging Christian values and highlights the urgent need to take back control of educational systems.

Other Perspectives

• The link between Southlake's narrative and Christian nationalism might be an oversimplification that fails to account for historical, cultural, and social dynamics that are unique to the community.
• The idea that the Republican Party is using Christian nationalist ideologies tactically could imply a level of cynicism or manipulation that may not accurately reflect the genuine beliefs of party members or their reasons for supporting certain educational policies.
• The intensity of disputes could be subjective and vary depending on individual perspectives; what seems intensified to some may appear as standard discourse to others.
• The term "Christian nationalism" can be interpreted in various ways, and not all individuals labeled as Christian nationalists advocate for a government that is deeply entwined with Christian principles.
• Historians often argue that the founding fathers intended for a secular government to avoid the religious conflicts that had plagued Europe.
• Some may contend that the interpretation of history is often revisited and reevaluated, and Barton's work is part of a broader discourse on the role of religion in American history.
• Some may argue that questioning the public education system is a healthy part of democratic discourse and not necessarily detrimental to its function or improvement.
• Some conservative figures may conflate the teaching of pluralism and acceptance with an attack on Christian values, when in fact these teachings are about respecting a diversity of beliefs.
• The urgency implied in taking back control might not be universally felt; different stakeholders in the community may have varying perspectives on the state of the educational system.

The potential outcomes of these disputes could shape the course of public schooling and the core democratic values of the country.

Hixenbaugh argues that the expansion of efforts to privatize schools is in part due to a deliberate strategy by right-leaning organizations designed to cast doubt on the effectiveness of public education. The activists portray public schools as bastions of liberal indoctrination, setting the stage for a renewed push to divert public funds to faith-based educational institutions, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities and undermining the pledge to offer equitable and cost-free education to all.

Context

• Privatization efforts can affect teachers' unions and collective bargaining rights, as private and charter schools often have different employment standards and practices.
• The portrayal is part of the larger "culture wars" in the U.S., where education becomes a frontline issue in the struggle over national identity, values, and the direction of future generations.
• Private and charter schools may have selective admission processes, which can limit access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those with disabilities or from minority communities.
• The pledge for equitable and cost-free education in the United States is rooted in the establishment of public schooling in the 19th century, which aimed to provide universal access to education regardless of socioeconomic status.