Have You Heard #164 Plutocratic Philanthropists are Bad for Schools–and Democracy
Oct 5, 2023
Nora Rykoski, a PhD candidate researching the impact of wealthy private actors on public education, sheds light on the troubling effects of 'pipeline philanthropy.' She shares her firsthand experiences as a young Googler witnessing corporate philanthropy's influence on K-12 education. The discussion delves into how this trend erodes democratic control, compromises community engagement, and raises concerns over transparency. Rykoski emphasizes the urgent need for accountability to protect educational integrity from the grip of powerful wealth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Influences
- Nora Rykoski's work was influenced by her time at Google and KIPP Bay Area Schools.
- She witnessed firsthand how tech companies, like Google, influenced education.
Pipeline Philanthropy
- Corporations often donate products during times of need, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This can lead to future paid contracts and influence school practices.
Circumventing Democracy
- Donations can bypass democratic processes in education.
- This can lead to changes in school missions without community input.
