WASHINGTON, D.C — Over 170 events across the U.S. marked the 4th annual “Teach Truth” Day of Action on June 8th, raising awareness about the growing threats of book bans and anti-history education laws.
The campaign, led by the Zinn Education Project, Teaching for Change, and Rethinking Schools, comes in response to increasing legislative measures that restrict discussions of racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression in U.S. history curricula.
“Nearly half of all public school children are now in districts with laws banning 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 effort to fight these laws and empower students to build a just society.”
The initiative promotes accurate education on diverse topics, including LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Events included pop-up displays showcasing banned books, book swaps, teacher-led discussions, historical tours, and rallies.
In Cleveland, the NAACP and Teachers Union organized a “Read Flash Mob” and featured a speech by a Freedom Rides veteran. In Washington D.C., the #TeachTruth booth at the Capital Pride Festival saw a steady stream of visitors. Educators appreciated the support and attendees pledged to keep the issue in focus for upcoming elections.
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.
“The 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 emphasized the broader context of the attacks on education: “These efforts target critical race theory and diversity initiatives, but they aim to roll back civil rights advancements and voting rights disproportionately impacting Black and brown communities.”
According to PEN America’s April 2024 report, over 4,000 book bans were attempted in the first half of the current school year. A Washington Post analysis suggests a small group of individuals drives the majority of book challenges, with books by diverse authors being primary targets.
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 effects on history education. Visitors were encouraged to check their voter registration and participate in upcoming elections.
“I was forced out of teaching because politicians scapegoated my curriculum, and administrators didn’t support me,” said Greg Wickenkamp, an education doctoral student who organized an event in Iowa City. “We want to assure educators and students that the public supports their right to teach and learn factual information, regardless of political agendas.”
The Teach Truth movement is gaining momentum, with more events planned in dozens of cities throughout the summer.