‘There’s no way to hide history’: Teachers react to Georgia law limiting discussion of race

By Curtis Bunn, NBC News

The new law, signed by Gov. Brian Kemp, seeks to prevent “divisive concepts and ideologies from invading the classroom” and removes “obscene materials” from school libraries.

In Georgia, Black educators are disheartened. They are insulted. Most of all, they are mad.

A new law, signed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, restricts teachers from teaching students about race and racism. According to the text of HB 1084, this includes any discussions that “the United States of America is fundamentally racist,” “any other form of race scapegoating or race stereotyping,” or “espousing personal political beliefs.” The law “prevents divisive concepts and ideologies from invading the classroom” and removes “obscene materials” from school libraries.

It does not address, however, how violations would be enforced or what the ramifications would be.

“School is a ground for growth for students, growth of the minds of kids,” said Michael Howard, a social studies teacher at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta. “This threatens that.”

Many Black educators said the new law could not only threaten their jobs, but that it also impacts their ability to teach and connect with students.

Howard and other Black teachers also called the law “short-sighted,” “disingenuous” and a “political ploy,” accusing Kemp of currying favor with conservative voters ahead of his bid for re-election this year.

Continue reading about Black educators’ response to this law.

Teaching about race–and white privilege–got at least one instructor fired. Browse our virtual exhibits to increase your own literacy of race.

Racism remains a current news topic.