Examining the Narrative: An Analysis of the Racial Discourse Embedded in State Takeover

Richard O. Welsh; Sheneka Williams; Shafiqua Little; Jerome Graham

doi:10.1080/10665684.2019.1691958

Examining the Narrative: An Analysis of the Racial Discourse Embedded in State Takeover

Richard O. Welsh, Sheneka Williams, Shafiqua Little, Jerome Graham

Administration, Leadership & Technology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

A growing number of states are using state-run school districts to take over and improve persistently under-performing schools. There is a need for research on the policy discourse used by educational stakeholders to support or oppose school takeover. This study uses Georgia’s Opportunity School District to analyze the role of racist narratives in the policy discourse on state takeover. We find that the discourse supporting state takeover utilized common racist predispositions. In this article, we highlight the nuanced dynamics of the politics of state takeover as opponents of state takeover straddle both conservative and liberal principles to garner support, whereas supporters appeal to conservatives through coded language and racialized discourse.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	502-526
Number of pages	25
Journal	Equity and Excellence in Education
Volume	52
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/10665684.2019.1691958
State	Published - Oct 2 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Education

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10.1080/10665684.2019.1691958

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Examining the Narrative: An Analysis of the Racial Discourse Embedded in State Takeover

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