
Neal McCluskey
Director of the Cato Institute Center for Educational Freedom. He is the author of the book The Fractured Schoolhouse, Re-examining Education for a Free, Equal, and Harmonious Society and Feds in the Classroom.
Top 5 podcasts with Neal McCluskey
Ranked by the Snipd community

Jul 17, 2025 • 58min
Can President Trump unilaterally lay off 1,400 Department of Education employees?
Derek Black, a constitutional law professor at the University of South Carolina, and Neal McCluskey, director at the Cato Institute Center for Educational Freedom, dive into the implications of President Trump's proposed layoffs in the Department of Education. They analyze the balance of power between federal and state authorities, the historical evolution of the department, and the potential impacts on student rights. The duo also reflects on the legality of such staff reductions and whether a leaner department could effectively serve its educational mission.

Feb 20, 2025 • 47min
Abolish the Department of Education?
In this enlightening discussion, Michelle Dimino, the Education Program Director at Third Way, and Neal McCluskey, Director of Cato’s Center for Educational Freedom, debate the controversial relevance of the Department of Education. They explore the balance between federal and state control in education, analyzing policies like No Child Left Behind. The conversation also tackles the implications of Title IX enforcement and whether civil rights oversight could shift to other agencies, raising questions about equity and student outcomes.

Sep 19, 2024 • 14min
Shifting Views on Religious Education and School Choice
Neal McCluskey, a leading expert on education policy, explores the changing landscape of religious education and school choice. He discusses recent court rulings that favor taxpayer funding for religious schools, arguing for parental rights in choosing educational paths. McCluskey highlights ongoing debates over integrating religious elements in public schools and examines historical Blaine amendments that have impacted religious education. This conversation sheds light on the evolving legal dynamics and advocates for greater educational freedom for families.

Aug 14, 2024 • 13min
Does Expanding Educational Freedom Hammer State Budgets?
Neal McCluskey, an expert on educational policies from Cato, dives into the complex issues surrounding Arizona's universal Education Savings Account program. He discusses how parental choice in education challenges traditional institutional power. The conversation reveals how funding follows students, debunking myths about class sizes and outcomes. McCluskey also addresses equity concerns, showing increased enrollment among lower-income families and emphasizing the vital role of informing all families about educational options.

Aug 2, 2024 • 18min
Project 2025, the GOP, and Trump on Education
Neal McCluskey, an advocate for education reform and commentator, discusses the implications of Project 2025 and its proposed educational reforms. He praises the plan's call for reduced federal control and advocates for school choice. McCluskey dives into the GOP's stance against critical race theory and the controversial 1776 Commission. He also critiques former President Trump's contradictory education rhetoric and emphasizes the need for state autonomy over educational policies. The conversation highlights important shifts in the education landscape.