Education has long been an area of political debate in the United States, with politicians and policymakers advocating for distinct societal and/or individual purposes of K -12 education. In this article, we examine the public opinion on the purpose of education, and we explore whether this political divide on the purpose of education is also…

Using a data set that captures the introduction and enactment of "campus carry" bills between 2004 and 2016, we examined how the state policy adoption and diffusion framework explains the policy process related to allowing concealed weapons on the campuses of U.S. colleges and universities. Panel data logistic regression analyses…

A conference bringing together several scholars of the law and of the social sciences to explore the relationships which have developed between the two fields in the court room in recent years addresses specifically the roots of several current forms of dissatisfaction. (Author/AM)

Argues that the judgment that the academy is racist is frequently misunderstood by white academicians because the socially learned investment in individualism eclipses awareness of racial positionality. Suggestions are given on how white academicians could address white racism. (SLD)

Responds to an article by Christine E. Sleeter (1993) and another by W.B. Allen (1993). Refutes criticisms that the author actually promotes racism in his call for increased white discourse on white racism and denies the individuality of races other than whites. However, personal individuality does not cancel the effects of inequality of power,…

Ten myths and countermyths about intelligence are explored. It is argued that the desire for simplicity and publicity has led psychologists and others writing about intelligence to take positions that cannot be justified by current theory or recent data. However defined, intelligence is but one aspect of being human. (SLD)

Responds to "Toward a White Discourse on White Racism" (James Joseph Scheurich; 1993). Rather than a discourse, America needs to transcend the discourse on race. The Commission on Civil Rights continues to explore racial harmony, but it is apparent that we have led young people to believe that their differences are more meaningful than…

Explores the greater emphasis on the role of education in federal social and economic policy and how it came about. It is suggested that changes in the relationship between class, race, and the state in the 1930s and 1940s set in motion a dynamic that made education the chief instrument of social reform two decades later. (GR)

Reviews the debate over multicultural education, and illustrates the roots of the debate between multiculturalists and Western traditionalists. A typology of knowledge is presented; and it is argued that each type should be part of curriculum at elementary school, secondary school, and higher levels. (SLD)

Responds to "Toward a White Discourse on White Racism" (James Joseph Scheurich; 1993). Reflects on participation of whites in racism and strategies whites have used to evade discourse on racism and to retreat from identifying racism with themselves. Ultimately, a discourse on racism must lead to action to reduce or eliminate white…

Presents highlights from a conversation via BITNET on education policy and priorities for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. The electronic discussion took place over 3 weeks with approximately 700 participants. Themes of balancing kindergarten through grade 12 education and higher education and the government's role in research…