# The big education debates facing Utah in 2026 | Christine Cooke Fairbanks

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/defending-ideas-6476805/the-big-education-debates-facing-utah-in-2026-christine-cooke-fairbanks
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/defending-ideas-6476805/the-big-education-debates-facing-utah-in-2026-christine-cooke-fairbanks.md
Podcast: [Defending Ideas](https://stenobird.com/podcast/defending-ideas-6476805)
Published: 2026-01-20T12:50:08+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-big-education-debates-facing-utah-in-2026-christine-cooke-fairbanks--69509084
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Duration seconds: 2150

## Resource

Utah’s 2026 legislative session is shaping up to be one of the most consequential for education in recent years. In this episode of Defending Ideas , host Nic Dunn is joined by Sutherland's Christine Cooke Fairbanks to break down the biggest education debates lawmakers are preparing to take on, from classroom technology and literacy policy to school choice, accountability, and the evolving role of state leadership in education. The conversation offers a clear look at what’s driving these proposals, where tensions are emerging, and what the outcomes could mean for students, parents, and educators across Utah as the session approaches. Show notes: Banning phones and boosting literacy: Utah’s 2026 education legislative priorities Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

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## Transcript

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