NCTE

How do current educational policies affect what teachers can teach or say?

State laws are having a large effect on teachers’ classroom practices. In places like Utah, South Carolina, and Iowa where policies are in place that limit book access across all schools in the state after challenges take place in one to three schools, it means that all teachers are barred from choosing certain books. 

In places where book banning or restricting laws are in place or even proposed, it has a chilling effect on teachers. They may be less likely to choose books or topics that someone might find “controversial”. This self-censorship reaches much further than the policies or laws themselves, since it’s often not noticed. These policies also serve to make teachers feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and infantilized by undermining their professional expertise and autonomy. Additionally, some policies lead to teachers being fired for providing “inappropriate” books, or the climate is so hostile that the teachers leave the school district or leave teaching altogether.

What is the impact of book bans or speech restrictions on English curricula?

Book bans and speech restrictions lead to the self-censorship mentioned above but also can interrupt curriculum. If a book is being taught in a whole class setting or as part of independent reading projects and is removed mid-assignment, it disrupts not only the students’ learning but requires teachers to start from scratch with lesson planning. 

Long-term, it reduces available books and the information or stories they contain, meaning students lose access to information they are most interested in. It also flattens education to only the most innocuous version of itself, meaning more students will leave school without an accurate understanding of the world around them and how they can engage with it.  

How can students support teachers facing free speech limitations?

Standing up for your own needs by talking about what books and reading mean to you is very powerful. Proactively, let your teachers and school librarians know the books you like and which lessons matter to you, talk about what you’re reading and working on in class with your peers, parents, and other people in your life to show the value of reading and the books and information that matter to you. 

When there are challenges and limitations to teachers directly in your school, sign up to speak at a school board meeting and encourage your parents to do the same if they are comfortable. See if you can set up a meeting with your principal or superintendent to advocate for what you like about your education and what your teachers provide to you (or write them a letter or email). 

If your actions are being limited within school settings, find ways to read and advocate out of school. That could be through starting a book club in your home or at your local library, buying books for Little Free Libraries (or giving your finished books to them), or joining or creating student organizations that advocate in your neighborhood or region. 

Demonstrating your needs as students is a support to teachers and their value in your lives because you are the reason they do what they do. I’ve heard many teachers say that the very best part of teaching is working with students, getting to know you, and helping you on your learning journey.

What resources or support systems exist for educators navigating censorship?

There are many organizations offering support to educators. 

NCTE has webinars, position statements, a report hotline, state-level groups, a book rationale database, professional journals and books, and many other resources teachers can access. It is also a professional community that can provide support that may not be available locally by connecting teachers to one another both virtually and through in-person conferences. 

The National Coalition Against Censorship, PEN America, American Library Association, Unite Against Book Bans, and many other organizations have reporting tools, information, advocacy initiatives, and resources available. 

Unions are a strong source of support in places where they are available. In some communities, there are local groups or just strong connections of community members who rally around their teachers.