Who Gives Public Comment?

• In Event: Political Economy and Local Democracy

Abstract

School boards are one of the most long-standing institutions for democratic participation in the United States. However, recent controversies over contentious policy issues raises questions as to who participates. This paper looks specifically at the question of who gives public comment during board meetings. Using a national survey, I expose participants to an existing school board and measure the extent to which they are willing to leave comments. I provide evidence of the factors most predictive of who leaves public comment and the various themes in comments that emerge. This project has implications for our larger understanding of political participation at the school district level.

Author

• Jonathan Collins, Teachers College, Columbia University