During Black History Month in February, a high school teacher in South Carolina faced restrictions on teaching about systemic racism. Mary Wood, an experienced teacher at Chapin High School, included Ta-Nehisi Coates’ memoir “Between the World and Me” in her lesson plan on civil debate. However, students complained that the lesson made them feel uncomfortable about their race. The state’s budget provision, passed by South Carolina Republicans, prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars to teach lessons that cause students to feel guilt or distress based on their race or sex. Wood expressed frustration with the policy, stating that it undermines public education and limits students’ exposure to differing viewpoints.
Despite having taught the same lesson without issue in the previous year, Wood had to abandon it and improvised with an alternative lesson plan. She felt professionally humiliated and believed her hands were tied in terms of what she could teach. Wood argued that South Carolina’s policy is detrimental to students preparing for college and limits their educational opportunities. She also highlighted how the restriction on teaching certain topics is a widespread issue in schools across the country, fueled by conservative parents opposing critical race theory. This academic theory examines the influence of racism on policy-making but has been distorted by the GOP to impede discussions on racism and inequality.
The culture wars, including debates about teaching history and racism, are taking a toll on teachers in South Carolina and exacerbating the existing teacher shortage crisis. Teachers face low pay, funding cuts, and lack of support, while also having to navigate ideological battles and accusations of indoctrination. South Carolina Republicans are not stopping at the current budget provision, as they plan to pass a bill requiring “fact-based” discussions on race that would further restrict educators. Wood argued that these restrictions on freedom of speech contradict the principles of the First Amendment and perpetuate the false accusation of indoctrination against teachers.
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