Facing book bans and restrictions on lessons, teachers are scared and self-censoring (Dave Davies; Fresh Air podcast)

Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson explains how new laws about teaching race, racism, gender identity and sexuality have created new fears and burdens in schools and classrooms.

School systems around the country are struggling to fill teaching positions as many choose to leave the profession due to burnout and low pay. 

But there's something else making life difficult for public school teachers these days - the culture wars that have flared in schools and school boards across the country as parents and political activists debate how to teach kids about race, racism, gender identity and sexuality. 

At least 25 states have enacted laws that impose teaching restrictions on those topics or make it easier to remove books from school libraries. That means teachers are feeling pressure from parents and administrators and sometimes facing disciplinary action or the threat of criminal prosecution if they fail to conform to new state laws and regulations. 

Interview: 

https://www.npr.org/2023/06/22/1183701813/facing-book-bans-and-restrictions-on-lessons-teachers-are-scared-and-self-censor