A Look at Perceptions of Political Leanings In Public Schools
Jun. 18, 2025
A new study by J. Cameron Anglum, assistant professor of educational leadership in Lehigh's College of Education, and Anita Manion, assistant professor of political science at University of Missouri-St. Louis, looks at the perceptions of students and parents regarding the political leanings of public schools. Published by the Brookings Institution, their research finds that adults' perceptions of public school bias vary by party affiliation, while most high school students say that public schools are politically neutral or balanced regardless of political beliefs.
Anglum and Manion also asked adults whether the federal government should adopt a larger or smaller role and influence in public education. On the whole, Republicans favor a smaller role and Democrats a larger role. They conclude that the findings highlight an significant disconnect between adults’ perceptions and students’ on-the-ground experiences. The authors suggest these views may negatively impact policymakers' abilities to address the most pressing issues in public education.
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