Progress toward educational, social, political, and economic equality has always faced backlash—sometimes violent, other times embedded in institutions. Amid economic uncertainty, politicians are again weaponizing fear to erase history, silence “controversial” discussions, and roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion. Backed by well-financed networks like Moms for Liberty and Heritage Action, these coordinated attacks seek to reshape education policy from local libraries to the federal level. In this policy memo, a coalition of researchers, advocates, educators, and organizers calls for sustained, rigorous research to understand these movements, document their impacts, and strengthen the strategies and solidarity needed to defend public education and advance educational justice.

Suggested Citation: The Freedom to Learn Collective (2025). What we need to know now to respond to right-wing attacks on public schools: A research agenda. Boulder, CO: National Education Policy Center. Retrieved [date] from http://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/right-wing