Anti-Racism, K-12 Education

WHEREAS, the U.S. educational system has maintained suppressive curriculum practices through policies that restrict instruction related to accurate historical events and historical truth telling at large in schools; and      

WHEREAS, current censorship legislation, proposed in more than 25 states, minimizes both the positive educational experiences and outcomes for marginalized student groups and also negatively impacts the educational experiences and outcomes of nationally dominant student groups at every level of schooling by restricting instructional practices; and 

WHEREAS, such censorship legislation also prohibits schools, districts, and other state and/or municipal government entities from enacting instruction or professional development related to topics of diversity; and 

WHEREAS, such legislative censorship specifically serves as an indisputable attack on racial reckoning, LGBTQ+ rights, and other forms of liberation before and during the pandemic and propagandizes theory and practice including but not limited to Critical Race Theory (CRT), the 1619 Project, and fundamental language used to describe diverse and marginalized students, in particular, language used to describe students and other members of the LGBTQ+ community; and 

WHEREAS, such inclusionary theory, practice, language, instruction, and related professional development are essential, in their own respects, to improving school climate; educational outcomes of all students; and reaffirming the content and instructional expertise of teachers, scholars, and other educational stakeholders.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NAACP firmly opposes censorship legislation that ultimately decreases knowledge and understanding of culturally diverse groups for students through developmentally appropriate but comprehensive instruction; prohibits educators from using quality instructional approaches that prepare students for further learning and life; restricts professional development related to topics of diversity in any educational or other municipal space; or stops offices of diversity, equity, and inclusion from fulfilling their legal and ethical duties in service to students, families, and communities.     

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NAACP supports federal, state, and local/school board efforts to oppose censorship legislation that suppresses inclusionary instruction and practice in P-12 schools and/or institutions of higher education and/or through the work of offices of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the NAACP shall convey this Resolution to federal, state and local legislators, the United States Secretary of Education, and State Heads or Commissioners of Education.