Freedom To Learn Action Day Mobilizes Opposition To Teaching Black History At ‘Crucial’ Time

The fight for democracy has been waged in information centers for generations. From classrooms to libraries to statehouses, opponents of education and freedom have targeted books. Recently, education has been under aggressive scrutiny.

The Missouri Legislature sought to pull funding for state libraries. Public outcry resulted in a course correction. But attempts to ban books many conservative Republicans find offensive continue.

Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis generated national outrage when he blocked a course on African American studies from the state’s public schools.

Awareness of the attacks has led to enthusiasm for the Freedom To Learn Action Day which was today.

The Southern Poverty Law Center provided a learning plan for teachers and others. On its website, SPLC wrote, “It’s crucial now more than ever to champion education that is inclusive, honest and promotes critical thinking among young people. To strengthen our democracy, we must resist campaigns that aim to ban books and censor or silence social justice movements.”

“The current attacks on attempts to build a society where everyone is valued underscore the need to support children and families outside of school walls. Our collective responsibility is to uplift honest history, counter disinformation and engage our communities to serve all children.”

Members of the African American Policy Forum, founded by attorney Kimberle Crenshaw, protested today at the College Board headquarters in New York City to make their case.

Around the country students, parents and organizations prompted the Freedom to Learn Action Day using social media.