Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Feb. 15, 2024
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How Policies That Restrict Teaching About Race and Gender 'Spill Over'
As of January 2023, 18 states had passed policies that restrict teachers' instruction on certain political and social issues, such as topics related to race and gender. New RAND survey results suggest that these policies affect teachers and students beyond the states where restrictions have been put in place.
Many teachers who are not subject to any restrictions said they chose on their own--without direction from school or district leaders--to limit classroom discussions about political and social topics. In fact, 65 percent of U.S. teachers reported deciding to limit discussions about "divisive topics" related to race or gender. That's nearly double the share of teachers whose states restrict what they can cover in their classrooms.
Teachers' reasons for choosing to limit their instruction included a fear of upsetting parents; uncertainty about whether school and district leaders would support them if parents expressed concerns; and an overall lack of guidance from school or district leaders. Further, teachers were more likely to choose to limit classroom discussions of social and political topics if they worked in more-politically conservative communities.
These findings raise questions about how many students across the United States have opportunities to engage in discussions on current or controversial issues--a proven practice necessary for civic development.
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The Good and the Bad for the U.S. in Southeast Asia
Over the last few years, the United States has strengthened key partnerships in Southeast Asia, including with the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore. This progress is noteworthy, but according to RAND's Derek Grossman, Washington continues to fall short of its goal of edging out China in the region. "The United States has mostly adopted a policy of benign neglect in Southeast Asia," he says. Going forward, it will be critical for Washington to more proactively shape the region's dynamics not only in the security sphere, but also by much more active diplomatic and economic means.
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America's Critical Infrastructure Is Under Attack
FBI Director Christopher Wray's recent congressional testimony offered a glimpse into the frightening possibilities that attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure could unleash. But the truth is actually scarier, says RAND's Stephen Webber. America has been under attack for the past two decades, and there has been little meaningful response. "Policymakers from the national to the local level must act now to better prepare their communities for the impacts of critical infrastructure attacks," he says. This includes improving collaboration between the private sector and local governments and taking steps to enhance societal resilience.
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** RAND Recommends
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- Faced with rising threats from China, how could Australia, the UK, and the United States (AUKUS) work together to develop responsible military AI capabilities? Our new study identifies opportunities to improve collaboration.
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- In the New York Times, RAND's Lisa Sontag-Padilla discussed the benefits of student-led mental health clubs in schools: These clubs can create an environment that "goes a long way to make students feel safe and empowered to speak up about their own needs," she said.
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- Despite its war in Ukraine and heavy international sanctions, Russia's economy grew last year. This is largely because Russia is undergoing a massive fiscal stimulus, RAND's Howard Shatz told Voice of America. The Kremlin is supporting defense industries and employment, paying military bonuses, and more.
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** Events
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America's Opioid Problems: How Additional Approaches Can Stem the Tide
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 (Online)
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Trust, But Verify: The Security Clearance Process and Experience
Thursday, February 29, 2024 (Online)
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