| Abstrakt: |
Divisive concepts laws have been passed in seventeen states, aiming to limit discussions of race, gender, equity, and discrimination in classrooms and workplaces. These laws allow parents to file complaints if they believe a teacher's instruction violates the law, which can silence teaching about race and its history. Superintendents face challenges in responding to these laws and complaints, but they have an opportunity and responsibility to stand up for truth and prevent the whitewashing of history. Divisive concepts laws are seen as educational censorship that suppresses instruction about racism and injustice, perpetuating viewpoints that distort the truth. These laws are considered to have a political agenda and have been opposed by educational organizations and faced numerous lawsuits. It is important to support teachers in presenting the painful chapters of America's history in an honest way and to provide students with accurate information, multiple perspectives, and an open environment to think critically about creating a more just society. Teaching about history is not meant to make students feel guilty, but rather to empower them to make a difference in the world. Superintendents are called upon to defend quality teaching and oppose laws that politicize education and suppress instruction. [Extracted from the article] |
