The Influence of ALEC on Public Education in Oklahoma

Main Article Content

Reid Harris
Denise Blum

Abstract

This research examines the highly influential national organization known as the American Legislative Exchange Council or ALEC, a corporate bill mill. This inquiry aims to provide more information about the state organization’s influence and activity in shaping Oklahoma’s education system, raise public awareness about its practices, and advocate for more transparency regarding ALEC’s meetings and the legislators who have benefitted from being ALEC members. This research consists of a review of ALEC’s website, relevant documents, and two interviews including one Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) representative and one elected official who is an ALEC member. Although this topic and organization warrant further investigation, these findings provide insight into the organization, laying the groundwork for future explorations with an organization that tends to operate covertly.

Article Details

Section
Teachers’ Work in Contentious Political Times
Author Biographies

Reid Harris, Oklahoma State University

Reid Harris is an adjunct instructor in the School of Education, Leadership and Aviation at Oklahoma State University.

Denise Blum, Oklahoma State University

Denise Blum is an educational anthropologist and a qualitative methodologist who specializes in Cuban education, human trafficking and diversity and equity issues. She is faculty in Social Foundations and affiliate faculty with OSU Global.