How Billionaires Created a Culture War to Sell School Vouchers w/ Josh Cowen
Summary
In this episode, Brad Onishi interviews Dr. Joshua Cowen, a professor of education policy at Michigan State University, on the controversial issue of school vouchers in the US. They discuss the historical context of the voucher movement, tracing it back to economist Milton Friedman and its intersection with the Brown v. Board decision. The dialogue highlights the ideological motivations behind vouchers, linking them to conservative Christian nationalism and libertarian views on government regulation. Dr. Cowen offers a critical analysis of recent voucher programs in Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C., presenting evidence of their negative effects on academic outcomes. The conversation also delves into the cultural and political forces driving the voucher agenda, especially during the Trump administration, emphasizing the shift from evidence-based arguments to ideological ones.
00:00 Introduction to Christian Nationalism and Education
00:41 Interview with Dr. Joshua Cowen
02:42 The Origins of the Voucher Movement
04:32 Libertarianism and Religious Right in Education
12:17 Voucher Programs and Their Impact
16:04 The Shift from Evidence to Ideology
25:10 The Rise of Culture Wars in Education
41:25 Hope and Future Directions in Education Policy