Racial Status Threat and Anti-DEI Efforts in Local School Districts

This study draws on political science theory to analyze how perceived status threats to White social dominance influence local educational politics. We examine the relationship between racial status threat (RST) and the rise of anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ideas (contentious school board elections and book challenges) and policies (policy enactments and book bans) in U.S. school districts. RST triggers—demographic changes and Black Lives Matter protests in surrounding communities—increase the likelihood of anti-DEI policy adoption, particularly in large districts. However, these triggers are unrelated to the circulation of anti-DEI ideas. Findings suggest that anti-DEI policies reflect community-level cultural conflicts rather than school-district-specific policies or conditions, underscoring the enduring role of public schools in America’s broader cultural changes and conflicts.