AMERICAN PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ATTITUDES, BELIEFS, AND ACTIONS SURROUNDING EDUCATION AND MULTICULTURALISM

Childhood Education, Spring 2006 by Russell, Kelly A

AMERICAN PRESIDENTS AND THEIR ATTITUDES, BELIEFS, AND ACTIONS SURROUNDING EDUCATION AND MULTICULTURALISM. Baptiste, H., Orvosh-Kamenski, H., & Kamenski, C., Multicultural Education, 2005, 12(4), 25-35. This article uses multicultural theories to "evaluate the performance of American presidents...to examine...how the particular policies of these presidents influenced educational policy and practice" (p. 25). Presidents' attitudes and actions, from George Washington to George W. Bush, are analyzed for their impact on issues related to social justice. The authors give interesting insight into how U.S. presidents have influenced education and social policy over the past two centuries.

The authors cite a president's persuasive powers as having perhaps the most impact during his term in office. They believe that Thomas Jefferson, for example, squandered his charisma by advocating laws and policies that furthered his party's beliefs rather than protecting the rights of all social groups. Because of this, during Jefferson's presidency, "inequality grew and became institutionalized" (p. 30). Ronald Reagan is cited as another president noted for his persuasive powers, yet who did not make changes to further social justice. For example, the number of children living in poverty steadily rose during the Reagan presidency.

The authors state that only 10 of 42 United States presidents have used their position to eliminate or challenge policies and practices that oppress and marginalize different populations. The authors contend that a truly great president "must genuinely believe in equality and social justice for all, and do anything in her or his power to uphold these ideals" (p. 26). Reviewed by Kelly A. Russell, doctoral student in early childhood education, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Reviewed by Kelly A. Russell, doctoral student in early childhood education, University of Alabama at Birmingham.