Survey Finds 65% of Teachers Limiting Conversations on Political and Social Issues, Even in States Without Restrictions

The findings of a recent survey on the state of American teachers have revealed a concerning trend – 65% of teachers are choosing to limit conversations about political or social issues in their classrooms. This decision is not only prevalent in states with legal restrictions on such discussions but also in states without any imposed limits.

The survey, conducted as part of the 2023 State of the American Teacher study, highlighted the impact of state policies that restrict what teachers can discuss. Between April 2021 and January 2023, 18 states passed laws that limited classroom discussions on topics such as race and gender. These topics have become contentious issues for parents who object to the way their children are being taught about these subjects.

What is particularly alarming is that two-thirds of teachers in K-12 public schools made the decision to limit instruction on political and social issues on their own. This self-imposed restriction was driven by fears of upsetting parents, lack of support from school or district leadership, and concerns about job security and licensure.

Even more concerning is that over 80% of teachers who reported being subject to local restrictions on instructional content decided to limit classroom conversations. This indicates a chilling effect on discussions in schools where teachers feel constrained by external factors.

The survey findings underscore the need for more guidance and support for teachers in navigating these sensitive topics in the classroom. Without proper support, teachers may continue to self-censor and limit important conversations that are essential for students’ understanding of complex societal issues.