With the “Teach Truth” campaign day, educators are fighting against book bans and anti-historical laws

WASHINGTON, DC – More than 170 events across the United States marked the fourth annual Teach Truth Day of Action on June 8 to raise awareness of the growing threat of book bans and laws that hinder history education.

The campaign is led by the Zinn Education Project, Teaching for Change and Rethinking Schools and is a response to increasing legislative measures that limit discussion of racism, sexism and other forms of oppression in the U.S. history curriculum.

“Nearly half of all public school children currently attend districts where laws prohibit honest education about race, gender and sexuality,” said Jesse Hagopian, a high school teacher and co-editor of Teaching for Black Lives. “Teach Truth is a grassroots initiative that fights these laws and gives students the opportunity to build a just society.”

The initiative promotes informed education on a range of issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, climate change and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Events have included pop-up displays of banned books, book swaps, teacher-led discussions, historical tours and rallies.

In Cleveland, the NAACP and the teachers union organized a “Read Flash Mob” and featured a speech by a Freedom Rides veteran. In Washington DC, the #TeachTruth booth at the Capital Pride Festival was well attended. Educators appreciated the support and participants pledged to keep the issue front of mind in the upcoming election.

Events were held nationwide, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Kansas City, Kansas, Miami, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The campaign is supported by 65 organizations, including the National Education Association, the American Library Association, and the African American Policy Forum.

“Teach Truth Day of Action is about reclaiming public education as a common good and transforming it into a racially and socially just system that prepares all students for success,” said Rocio Inclan of the National Education Association.

Jocelyn Walker of the African American Policy Forum highlighted the broader context of the attacks on education: “These efforts target critical race theory and diversity initiatives, but are aimed at rolling back progress on civil rights and voting rights, which disproportionately impacts black and brown populations.”

According to PEN America’s April 2024 report, there were over 4,000 attempts to ban books in the first semester of the current school year. An analysis by the Washington Post suggests that a small group of individuals are carrying out most of the book violations, with books by diverse authors being the main target.

Organizers used interactive pop-up displays at Pride festivals, libraries, bookstores, Juneteenth celebrations, and farmers markets to educate the public about banned books and the broader impact on history education. Visitors were encouraged to check their voter registration and vote in the upcoming election.

“I had to leave teaching because politicians scapegoated my curriculum and the administration did not support me,” said Greg Wickenkamp, ​​a doctoral student in education who organized an event in Iowa City. “We want to reassure educators and students that the public supports their right to teach and learn factual information, regardless of political intentions.”

The Teach Truth movement is gaining momentum, with more events planned in dozens of cities this summer.