Culture Warriors Face Setbacks in Ohio School Board Races
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A wave of school board elections across Ohio on November 5, 2024, delivered losses to candidates campaigning on platforms centered around contentious cultural issues, according to recent reports.The outcomes suggest a rejection of policies targeting discussions of gender identity, diversity, and equity in public schools. These results mark a notable moment for the future of education in the state, perhaps shifting the focus back to traditional academic concerns.
The defeats are especially notable given the increased national attention on school board races as battlegrounds for broader political conflicts. Conservative groups have actively sought to elect members who would stand up to Title IX,
a federal civil rights law protecting against discrimination, and limit the implementation of inclusive policies. The election results indicate that these efforts met with resistance from voters prioritizing different values.
South-Western City schools (Franklin County)
In the South-Western City Schools district, three candidates endorsed by the Democratic party secured victories. This outcome followed controversy surrounding the board’s decision to retain attorney Omar Tarazi at a cost of $9,000 per month. The Columbus Dispatch reported that Tarazi has publicly opposed transgender-friendly pronoun policies, appearing on Fox News to voice his concerns.
Did you Know? School board elections are typically nonpartisan, but have become increasingly politicized in recent years with the rise of national culture wars.
upper Arlington Schools (Franklin County)
Lou Sater, president of the Upper Arlington school board as 2021, faced criticism for being the sole board member to oppose an equity in education
policy weeks before the election. The Columbus Dispatch reported the policy included broad definitions of equity, inequity, and gender identification. Sater stated, If we have a problem, I’m more than happy to work to fix that problem… I do not believe we have the problem. I believe we’re trying to add another statement on top of what I thought was a very good nondiscrimination policy.
Research by Coyle also revealed Sater’s frequent sharing of opinion pieces and commentary from social conservatives, including Jack Posobiec.
Pro tip: Local school board elections often have a significant impact on curriculum, policies, and resource allocation within a community.
| District | County | key Issue | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| South-Western City Schools | Franklin | Attorney Retainer & Pronoun Policies | Democratic-backed candidates won |
| Upper Arlington Schools | Franklin | Equity in Education Policy | Opposition to policy faced scrutiny |
these election results reflect a broader trend of voters prioritizing inclusive and equitable educational environments. The shift in power on these school boards could lead to the implementation of policies supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as increased protections for LGBTQ+ students.
What do you think these election results mean for the future of education in Ohio? And how might these changes impact students and families in these communities?
Background: The Rise of Culture War Politics in Education
The increasing involvement of national political organizations in local school board elections is a recent phenomenon, driven by debates over curriculum, parental rights, and social issues. These conflicts often center around topics such as critical race theory, gender identity, and sex education. The outcomes of these elections have significant implications for the direction of public education and the values that are prioritized in schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Title IX? Title IX is a federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
- What is an equity in education policy? an equity in education policy aims to ensure all students have access to the resources and support thay need to succeed, irrespective of their background or identity.
- Why are school board elections becoming more politicized? National political organizations are increasingly targeting school board races as a way to influence local education policy and advance their agendas.
- What impact will these election results have on students? the election results could lead to changes in curriculum, policies, and resource allocation, potentially impacting students’ educational experiences.
- How can I get involved in my local school board? You can attend school board meetings, contact board members, and vote in school board elections.
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