Educational Gag Orders: Legislative Interference in Teaching About Race

Over the past few years, hundreds of bills aiming to suppress teaching about race in American history have been introduced in state and local governments. The legislation would restrict K-12 teachers and college faculty across disciplines from talking about “divisive topics” and teaching about the role of racism in US history and society. These educational gag order bills have the potential to chill the free exchange of ideas at universities and colleges and to violate core AAUP principles.

This page has information about educational gag orders specifically. You might also be interested in information on a wave of political interference in higher education more generally, diversity in higher ed, or racial justice

Fighting Educational Gag Orders in Your State

Faculty Senate Resolutions Defending Academic Freedom

The African American Policy Forum has organized an initiative for faculty senates to pass resolutions defending academic freedom to teach about race, gender, and critical race theory.

AAUP Statements on the Teaching of History

As the situation has evolved, we have issued several statements about political attacks on teaching about race. 

Additional Resources

Media and Coverage

Legislative Wins