The Public Schooling Battle Map is a project by the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom.
It highlights conflicts within public schools related to basic rights, moral values, or individual identities.
Issues often covered include transgender student rights, religious influences, and educational content on race and history.
Key Points
Intention vs. Outcome
The goal of public schooling is to unite diverse groups and foster harmony.
However, it often results in zero-sum conflicts where the victory of one value means the loss of another.
Conflict Tracking
The map aggregates conflicts from media reports, beginning data collection in the mid-2000s.
Some incidents from earlier years are included if new developments occurred post data collection.
The conflicts are constantly updated.
Engagement
Individuals can report conflicts, errors, or ask questions via email to Neal McCluskey at the Cato Center for Educational Freedom.
Discussions can be followed on X using the hashtag #WWFSchool.
Additional Resources
A reading list on public schooling and social conflict is available.
A comprehensive list of conflicts can be accessed online, with data available for download.
Related Commentary and Blog Posts
Religion in Public Schools
Article: "Why Is Religion Flooding into Public Schools?"
Author: Neal McCluskey
Summary: The article discusses why religious themes are appearing in public schools, often because of insufficient religious private schools to meet demand.
Culture War in Education
Blog Post: "Public Schooling Culture War Cooled Considerably in 2024"
Summary: Reports a 42% reduction in culture war conflicts in 2024 compared to 2023.
Legislative Actions
Blog Post: "Louisiana's Ten Commandments Commandment"
Summary: Covers the legislation mandating the Ten Commandments in public schools in Louisiana and the subsequent corrective bill.
Library Contentions
Study: "Are Public School Libraries Accomplishing Their Mission?"
Summary: Explores the contentious debates surrounding public school library holdings since fall 2021.
Cato Institute Resources
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