An Economist Looks at 90: Tom Sowell on Charter Schools and Their Enemies

Recorded on July 1, 2020

The day before this show was recorded, Dr. Thomas Sowell began his 10th decade of life. Remarkably on one hand and yet completely expected on the other, he remains as engaged, analytical, and thoughtful as ever. In this interview (one of roughly a dozen or so we’ve conducted with Dr. Sowell over the years), we delve into his new book Charter Schools and Their Enemies,  a sobering look at the academic success of charter schools in New York City, and the fierce battles waged by teachers unions and progressive politicians to curtail them. Dr. Sowell’s conclusion is equally thought provoking: If the opponents of charter schools succeed, the biggest losers will be poor minority children for whom a quality education is the best chance for a better life.

To view the transcript of this conversation, click here.

Cast

Thomas Sowell

Thomas Sowell

Related

Videos

The Enduring Influence Of Thomas Sowell

From politics and economics to journalism and culture, leading voices reflect on how Thomas Sowell’s ideas shaped their thinking and continue to inspire new generations.

October 15, 2026

Videos

The Fed’s New Communications Regime

Steven Davis asks San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly how the Fed’s communications regime has changed under the chairmanship of Kevin Warsh, and how she thinks about the implications of AI for monetary policy. 

October 14, 2026

Event

Geography, Technology, and the Extent of Markets: A Method with an Application to the Wealth of Nations

With Stephen Haber, Hoover Institution Park L. Loughlin Senior Fellow and Jordan Horrillo, Hoover Institution Fellow

April 23, 2026