The Role of Public Education in Undermining Polarization

…the purpose of the British Columbia school system is to enable all learners to become literate, to develop their individual potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy, democratic and pluralistic society and a prosperous and sustainable economy.

    Most educators in B.C. are familiar with this overarching statement of purpose, and all of the things we hope for our students seem straightforward, perhaps with the exception of “pluralistic society”. Pluralism is a positive response to human diversity that requires engagement with different cultures, identities, beliefs and experiences. Pluralism requires mutual respect and inclusive dialogue, ensuring that no single perspective dominates; accepting that there are a variety of competing moral systems, but no single system is authoritative. However, shared values are the key to a healthy, functioning society. They provide the essential framework for social cohesion, guiding behaviors, fostering unity, and ensuring that the common good is prioritized. Without a consensus on what is right and wrong, a community can become fractured and conflict-ridden, leading to a breakdown of trust, increased polarization, and a loss of collective purpose. We are witnessing this today. 

    Despite a melting-pot metaphor, most political scientists define the United States as a pluralistic society. As early as 1795 the term E pluribus unum or “out of many, one” appeared on U.S. coins and later became the unofficial motto of America. The Canadian mosaic, a land of 40 million diverse, and often hyphenated-Canadians, seems to be a shining example of pluralism. However, the chasm between what we say we value and what is happening in society is widening. The world’s leading democracy, strongest economy and culturally influential nation has chosen a leader who directs disdain and vitriol towards those who do not fit his narrow ideal of an American. This is a man who is often impulsive, deceitful, and arrogant yet more than 75 million Americans find him morally acceptable, and millions see him as admirable and heroic. 

    The backlash against diversity and pluralism is not just happening in the United States. In many parts of the world, nationalistic rhetoric is growing. All across Canada there is a persistent “blame immigration” undercurrent to many social challenges – crime, housing costs, and unemployment. In Alberta, the government has articulated an “Alberta Advantage Immigration Strategy” to have more control over who is admitted to the province. Scores of jurisdictions across Canada and the USA are scrutinizing the books students may access in school and public libraries. Other, more subtle processes include “equity-based book weeding” with the same results – books removed for perceived bias, harm or indoctrination. The reasons vary, but the result is the same - fewer stories, fewer perspectives, fewer chances for students to see themselves—and others—in the pages they turn – all happening at a time when people are reading fewer books than ever.1 Why would a system whose stated purpose is to build a pluralistic society be uncomfortable with books that reveal our colonial history or explore diverse identities, cultures, and communities?

    The steady growth of capitalism has led to remarkable gains in the quality and comfort of our lives. It has also led to the belief that personal freedom is paramount and that success in life is up to autonomous individuals. Over the past half century, there has been a rise in hyper-individualism and a decline in shared morality. Prioritizing individual wants and accomplishments has also led to the adulation of “winners” (as measured by the accumulation of wealth) and a marginalization of “losers”. The normalization of selfishness and unraveling of coherent social and moral norms can be seen in families, communities and countries. With a breakdown in social trust, right versus wrong is no longer clear and working for the good of society is no longer valued. 

    When cultural norms are fragmented and individuals lose sight of the common good, civil society begins to disintegrate. Disagreements go on indefinitely, at greater levels of indignation and polarization. People become self-righteous and are drawn to like-minded people exclusively. Unable or unwilling to engage with divergent views, name-calling, intimidation, coercion or manipulation are used. The global health crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) revealed deep cracks in society. Many people resisted the vaccination programs and restrictions implemented to combat a virus that caused serious illness and over 7 million deaths worldwide. Conspiracy theories soared, thousands called it a hoax, and many resisted the perceived infringement on their individual freedoms. The aftershocks continue today with mistrust spreading towards other vaccine programs resulting in a resurgence of preventable disease like measles. 

    A society that covets personal gain and individual freedom is the world of master manipulator Donald Trump. He presented himself as a political outsider and self-made man who was going to challenge the elites running government and “drain the swamp”. Often impulsive and outrageous, he gained popularity because he “speaks his mind”, but he does not even pretend to speak the language of morality. Indeed, he amplifies polarization and has reduced politics to the systemic organization of hatreds.2 The only good Americans are those who support him. He has also pardoned convicted criminals, mocked judges, punished universities, fired civil servants whose reports do not fit his narrative, attacked reporters who ask difficult questions, and deployed the military to control some American cities. His supporters insist he will have a third term as president, despite clear language in the U.S. Constitution that prevents this from happening. He does not care that his behaviour undermines crucial shared norms like fairness, justice, intellectual freedom, the rule of law, and a free press. Trump personifies the language of self, of gain, of acquisition, and of personal power. He killed funding to USAID because he believes it is wasteful for the richest nation in the world to give a miniscule fraction (0.24 % in 2023) of its income to the poorest nations and people in the world. At the same time, he is lobbying to get himself a Nobel Peace Prize. Trump not only ignores standards of excellence in social practice and leadership like integrity, humility, honesty, and selflessness, he scorns them. Again, this is the elected leader of the free world.

    In a global context of mistrust, misinformation, polarization, and violence, excellent public education becomes crucial. Schools must remain progressive, safe and inclusive communities that continuously reflect, adapt and grow. The most effective educational leaders understand that change, especially significant change, will invite resistance and the best way forward is by authentically engaging and listening to all stakeholders. Diversity is not simply a collection of people who look different, but also think differently. Most importantly, change must be guided by common sense and informed by what is happening in the local community. Parachuting in experts with a “you are stuck and we know what you need” mindset will alienate many. The anti-woke movement is real. To ignore the people who distrust public institutions, including education, is foolish and disrespectful. The backlash helped elect a convicted felon to the most powerful office in the world. Candidates from far-right political parties with nationalist, repressive, and xenophobic ideals are being elected to governments all across Europe. Pluralism requires us to engage with and respect different points of view. To seek them out and learn from each other. This is the only way to deflate polarization.

    Pluralism describes both a set of facts and a set of values. The facts of pluralism are that Canadian society is composed of diverse and intersecting communities, races, ethnicities, religions, and associations. These various elements lead to different, competing, and often irresolvable convictions and interests. The values of pluralism include open-mindedness, toleration, persuasion, compromise, reciprocity, and the appreciation, if not celebration, of differences. Pluralism is the only way forward, yet a vibrant, healthy, and diverse society must be founded on common values – what unites us as a school, a community, and a nation? What is the unity in our diversity? We need to engage with and understand others. We cannot do this if we smugly believe we are standing on the moral high ground. Independent school enrollment is increasing across Canada and is highest in B.C. When people lash out at “what is being taught in schools today!”, we need to invite them in. To listen to their fears, and to show them what is really happening in our schools and classrooms. On national and international assessments, B.C. students achieve highly. Teachers are allies for kids and parents, everyone is welcome, and no one is trying to indoctrinate or make a child into something they are not. In a world where misinformation, AI, and social media algorithms enflame confirmation bias and divisiveness, we need to teach critical thinking, media literacy, habits of inquiry, and lateral reading. Manipulation succeeds best on the ignorant, and on those who fail to recognize their own biases – public schools must develop responsible, caring, reflective and resilient young people who can think and communicate effectively. 

    Situated in diverse communities, our schools need leaders and educators who seek first to understand before being understood. Dedicated, caring people who underscore the message that everyone has a seat at the table – even those with whom we disagree. And we will disagree, but we can do so respectfully and thoughtfully for the greater good of our community. Calm, open discourse and critical, fact-based thinking are the antidotes to the polarization and fear that gets authoritarians elected. The role of exemplary public education in building a healthy democracy has never been as critical as it is today. Pushing back against polarization does not have to mean shouting louder. Another option is focusing on developing intelligent, open-minded, confident and capable young people who have gracious, determined decency – like Canadians.

Notes:

1. As new books and resources arrive, all libraries need to remove dated and under-circulating items. Removing books because they are deemed inappropriate for any reason is a slippery slope.

2. Henry Adams (1838-1918), American historian and grandson of President John Quincy Adams, wrote that politics was the systemic organization of hatreds. That is, those who can mobilize and manipulate animosity and hate towards opposing groups and individuals most effectively, wins. Sound familiar?

Sources borrowed heavily from:

Brooks, David. “Why Do So Many Think That Trump is Good?” The Atlantic. 08, July, 2025.

Plant, Michael. “Trump is Creating a Selfish, Miserable World. Here’s What We Can Do.” The Guardian. 18, April, 2025.

Stid, Daniel. “Pluralism in the Trump Era.” The Art of Association. 28, January, 2025.

Wells, Ira. “Book Banning in Canada is Quiet, Systemic, and More Effective Than Ever.” The Walrus. 02, March, 2025.