For education policymakers, the last two years have been among the most tumultuous and challenging in U.S. history. Issue after issue has stirred controversy, including COVID-induced school closures, mask and vaccine mandates, critical race theory, and transgender students’ rights. Local school board meetings have been stages for many conflicts. Board members are confronting angry protestors at the same time they confront complex questions about mitigating the harms of the pandemic on students and protecting public health. Recently, in Virginia, we saw the potential for education politics to shape a high-profile, statewide election.

On December 9, the Brown Center on Education Policy at Brookings hosted an expert discussion on the politics of education. Panelists discussed recent events and what they mean for students, schools, and society, as well as how education might factor into the 2022 elections.

Panel

• Jon Valant, Director - Brown Center on Education Policy Senior Fellow - Governance Studies
• Martin R. West, Academic Dean and Shattuck Professor of Education - Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Lauren Camera, Senior Education Writer - U.S. News & World Report
• Jonathan E. Collins, Assistant Professor of International and Public Affairs, Assistant Professor of Education - Brown University