Continuing Inequity through Neoliberalism: The Conveyance of White Dominance in the Educational Policy Speeches of President Barack Obama

Abstract

The purpose of this critical discourse analysis is to examine how the political speeches and statements of President Barack Obama knowingly or unknowingly continue practices and policies of White privilege within educational policy and practice by constructing education in a neoliberal frame. With presidents having the ability to communicate unencumbered with their citizens, the impact of Presidential communication can either set or rupture the status quo. President Obama, as the first non-White President of the United States of America, is now at the center of continuing or breaking the status quo in educational policy which has been historically harmful to racial minorities. Through this critical discourse analysis studying the statements and remarks of President Obama in seven speeches pertaining to pk-12 education, there was evidence that suggested President Obama maintains the status quo. This paper argues that President Obama views education as a neoliberal enterprise, with its main focus on education serving economic purposes. Such a view reinforces racial stratification throughout society. Other evidence suggests that President Obama also reinforces individualistic approaches concerning race which could serve to further embed the institutional and internalized racism in public education. This research can serve to continue and strengthen educational discussions of the impact of whiteness and racism on public education. While steps are continually taken to ensure legal equality, generational and institutionalized measures are often ignored when discussing race and racism. This research can provide for further conversations on the impact that leaders have on continuing and promoting aspects of racism to their constituents.