‘Teaching the truth’: Tennessee educators respond to proposed limits on teaching about racism
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History education has been in the spotlight this year, from parents and students demanding more diverse content to legislators in some states banning topics in the classroom. Starting next year, Tennessee teachers will have to restrict their instruction on race and racism under recently passed legislation that Gov. Bill Lee is expected to sign into law.
The legislation allows the state education commissioner to withhold funds from schools and districts where teachers promote elements of critical race theory. Through the use of data and storytelling, critical race theory raises awareness about how racism and bias affect individuals and society. The Tennessee bill targeting the field comes amidst similar discussions among lawmakers in Georgia, Idaho, Utah, and Arkansas. We asked Tennessee educators their thoughts on the recent legislation and what effects it will have on their students, teaching, and outlook. Here are some of their responses.