Closed for Democracy: How Mass School Closure Undermines the Citizenship of Black Americans

Closed for Democracy is the first book to study the political causes and democratic consequences of mass public school closures in the US, focusing on the impacts on poor Black citizens. It documents how these policies target minority communities, making them feel excluded from public goods, and undermining their faith in political participation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Every year, over 1,000 public schools are permanently closed across the United States, yet little is known about their impacts on American democracy. Closed for Democracy is the first book to systematically study the political causes and democratic consequences of mass public school closures in the United States. The book investigates the declining presence of public schools in large cities and their impacts on the Americans most directly affected – poor Black citizens. It documents how these mass school closure policies target minority communities, making them feel excluded from the public goods afforded to equal citizens. In response, targeted communities become superlative participators to make their voices heard. Nevertheless, the high costs and low responsiveness associated with the policy process undermine their faith in the power of political participation. Ultimately, the book reveals that when schools shut down, so too does Black citizens' access to and belief in, American democracy.

Introduction:
The United States faces a significant challenge in the form of public school closures, which have been on the rise in recent years. While the reasons for these closures vary, they have profound implications for American democracy and the well-being of its citizens. This book aims to shed light on the political causes and democratic consequences of mass public school closures in the United States.

Declining Presence of Public Schools in Large Cities:
One of the most striking features of the book is its investigation into the declining presence of public schools in large cities. Large cities have historically been centers of education and opportunity, but they have also been plagued by poverty, crime, and other social ills. As a result, many public schools in these cities have struggled to provide quality education to their students.

Impacts on Poor Black Citizens:
The book focuses on the impacts of public school closures on poor Black citizens, who are disproportionately affected by these policies. Black citizens are more likely to live in poverty, attend under-resourced schools, and face barriers to educational success. The closures of public schools in large cities have further exacerbated these disparities, leaving Black communities with fewer resources and opportunities.

Targeted Communities and Political Participation:
In response to the closures of public schools, targeted communities have become superlative participators to make their voices heard. These communities have organized protests, rallies, and other forms of activism to advocate for their schools and to demand better education for their children. However, the high costs and low responsiveness associated with the policy process undermine their faith in the power of political participation.

Undermining Faith in Political Participation:
The high costs and low responsiveness associated with the policy process make it difficult for targeted communities to have their voices heard. The policymaking process is often opaque, with decisions made by policymakers who are not accountable to the communities they serve. This lack of transparency and accountability makes it difficult for communities to hold policymakers accountable and to ensure that their voices are heard.

Consequences for Black Citizens:
The consequences of public school closures on Black citizens are profound. Black citizens are less likely to have access to quality education, which can have long-term consequences for their economic and social well-being. They are also more likely to live in poverty, face barriers to employment, and be less engaged in civic life.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Closed for Democracy is a valuable contribution to the literature on education policy and American democracy. The book sheds light on the political causes and democratic consequences of mass public school closures in the United States. It highlights the disproportionate impact of these policies on poor Black citizens and the need for targeted communities to have their voices heard in the policy process. The book also calls for greater transparency and accountability in the policymaking process to ensure that all communities have access to quality education and the opportunities that come with it.

ISBN-13: 9781009247443