“I heard they put a litter box in the bathroom”: Teacher Sensemaking around Restrictive Education Policies

• In Event: Organizing for Equity and Inclusion: Innovative Theorizing Across the P-20 Educational Ecosystem

Abstract

Bills aimed at restricting the teaching of race, gender, and sexuality have been introduced in every state. More work is needed to shed light on the mediating factors that lead teachers to both censor and resist within their teaching. In this interview study with 83 teachers across 8 states ( including solidly Democrat, solidly Republican, and swing states), we leverage sensemaking theory to understand the consequences of restrictive policies as perceived and experienced by teachers. We find teachers' organizational context–including administrative guidance and conversations with colleagues–as well as teachers’ personal values, shape teachers’ understanding and implementation.

Authors

• Tabitha Bonilla, Northwestern University

• Jennifer R. Cowhy, University of Arkansas