Challenges in Public Education: Book Bans, Teacher Shortages, and the Negative Effects of Miseducation Regarding Slavery

WHEREAS, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ("NAACP") regards public education as a core principle of civil and human rights and seeks to protect the right to education for all, especially with regard to the accurate teachings of African American history; and 

WHEREAS, Education plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes and perceptions, and accurate historical education is essential for a comprehensive understanding of American history, fostering moral understanding and critical assessment of future actions; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, there has been a movement to diminish the historical experiences of marginalized groups, specifically the negative experiences of African Americans during slavery, through legislative actions aimed at restricting discussions of slavery, race, gender, and racism in classrooms; and 

WHEREAS, Since 2021, at least 18 states have passed laws restricting discussion of slavery, race, gender, and/or racism in the classroom, eroding freedom of expression and challenging higher education institutions as bastions of critical thinking; and 

WHEREAS, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ("NAACP") opposes book banning by state legislatures and local school boards, recognizing its discriminatory impact, especially against African American authors, and understands that such censorship undermines fundamental rights to free speech and expression, impeding societal progress; and 

WHEREAS, The enactment of these laws perpetuates historical inaccuracies, fosters misconceptions, and contributes to the perpetuation of systemic inequalities, racial biases, and social injustices; and 

WHEREAS, According to the 2023 National Center for Education statistics 87% of public schools struggle to hire educators, and in high poverty neighborhoods school understaffing has persisted at 57%; and 

WHEREAS, According to the National Education Association in 2024 educators state burnout from massive labor shortages as the main reason for job dissatisfaction. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP will continue its advocacy in support of paying teachers a livable and competitive wage, and its support for the funding of teacher colleges and teacher recruitment. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP reaffirms its commitment to advocating for inclusive and accurate representations of African American history in public education curricula, opposing legislative and school board efforts to censor or distort historical narratives for ideological purposes. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls upon policymakers, educators, and community leaders to ensure comprehensive education that acknowledges the realities of slavery and its legacies, providing professional development opportunities for educators and promoting culturally responsive pedagogy. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP opposes legislation in every state, the District of Columbia, and all United States territories that seeks to undermine the fundamental right to the freedom to read, speak, publish, or any other civil or human right.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports all legal actions challenging the constitutionality and legality of school book bans, and calls upon all state legislatures and school boards in the United States to immediately repeal laws or rules resulting in the banning of books, particularly those written by African American authors.