LAX Leader

In 2022, voters passed California Proposition 28, a state ballot initiative aimed at expanding arts education in K-12 public schools, including charters. The measure allocates an additional 1% of annual school budgets for visual arts, theater, dance, music, or media arts.

While initially celebrated for its potential benefits, concerns have emerged regarding the use and distribution of these funds. This has led to calls for increased oversight and transparency.

USC experts are available to discuss both the broad benefits of music and arts education on youth well-being and the challenges facing Prop. 28’s implementation.

“Music might be an activity to help students develop skills and competencies, work out their emotions, engage in identity work and strengthen connections to the school and community,” said Beatriz Ilari, associate professor of music education at the USC Thornton School of Music. “We know that the pandemic has taken a toll on student mental health. The many narratives of learning loss that have emerged since the start of the pandemic paint a grim picture of what some call a ‘lost generation,’” added Ilari.

John Matsusaka, executive director of the USC Initiative and Referendum Institute, highlighted both the importance and limitations of ballot measures as democratic tools. “Ballot measures are an essential part of democracy in California... Usually voters are able to make sound decisions, but they need to hear arguments on both sides,” he stated. Matsusaka expressed concern over one-sided campaign spending: “$11 million dollars was spent by proponents—three rich business people, a teachers union, and a musical instruments business—against not a penny spent by opponents.”

Christian Grose from USC Dornsife College warned about potential future repercussions if controversies surrounding Prop. 28 are not addressed. “Any time there is controversy about a policy after it passes can reduce support for the initiative among voters in the future,” Grose noted. He advised supporters to address controversies transparently to maintain public backing.

For further information or expert commentary:

- Nina Raffio: raffio@usc.edu or (213) 442-8464

- USC Media Relations: uscnews@usc.edu or (213) 740-2215

- Beatriz Ilari: ilari@usc.edu

- John Matsusaka: matsusak@usc.edu

- Christian Grose: cgrose@dornsife.usc.edu