Educational Policy in the Post-racial Era: Federal Influence on Local Educational Policy in Hawaii

Clifton S Tanabe

doi:10.7202/1072324ar

Abstract

On March 27, 2008, Newsweek ran an article titled, “Obama’s Postracial Test: How will the Democratic Candidate Deal with Potentially Divisive Ballot Initiatives Calling for an End to Affirmative Action?” And, the August 6, 2008 issue of the New York Times Magazine featured an article titled, “Is Obama the End of Black Politics?” Since then, writers from the right and left have raised and challenged the idea that the election of Barack Obama somehow signals a new, post-racial era and presidency. But what does this mean for Hawaii? With its unique racial diversity and its connection to Obama, might Hawaii somehow represent the first post-racial state? And, does this mean anything for the way education is run in that state? In addressing these questions, this paper looks carefully at the Obama Administration’s recent education initiative called the Race to the Top Fund and examines its implications for education in Hawaii.

Highlights

Article abstractOn March 27, 2008, Newsweek ran an article titled, “Obama’s Postracial Test: How will the Democratic Candidate Deal with Potentially Divisive Ballot Initiatives Calling for an End to Affirmative Action?” And, the August 6, 2008 issue of the New York Times Magazine featured an article titled, “Is Obama the End of Black Politics?” Since writers from the right and left have raised and challenged the idea that the election of Barack Obama somehow signals a new, post-racial era and presidency
During Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, journalists and other commentators often speculated on what Obama’s presidency would mean for race relations in America
If at its foundation, the post-racial idea has to do with an adjustment in the fundamental meaning and significance of race and racism in America, I argue that any adjustment along these lines will come only with the simultaneous adjustment of the structure of racial inequality that still exists in American society

Summary

Article abstract

On March 27, 2008, Newsweek ran an article titled, “Obama’s Postracial Test: How will the Democratic Candidate Deal with Potentially Divisive Ballot Initiatives Calling for an End to Affirmative Action?” And, the August 6, 2008 issue of the New York Times Magazine featured an article titled, “Is Obama the End of Black Politics?” Since writers from the right and left have raised and challenged the idea that the election of Barack Obama somehow signals a new, post-racial era and presidency. What does this mean for Hawaii? With its unique racial diversity and its connection to Obama, might Hawaii somehow represent the first post-racial state? And, does this mean anything for the way education is run in that state? In addressing these questions, this paper looks carefully at the Obama Administration’s recent education initiative called the Race to the Top Fund and examines its implications for education in Hawaii

Cite this article

Introduction

Race to the Top Fund

From National to Local

RTTTF in Hawaii and Educational Inequality

Conclusion