Poster #100 - Undermining Democracy: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Classroom Censorship Policies

• In Event: Saturday Poster Luncheon

Abstract

Since 2021, 24 states have passed 45 classroom censorship bills into law that aim to restrict discussions of topics deemed to be controversial, such as current events, race and gender, and the history of slavery in the United States. While current scholarship and media coverage of classroom censorship policies centers around the restrictions of topics related to identity and divisive topics, few have explored the ways in which these policies prohibit evidence-based civic education practices, such as service learning and action-based civic education programs. If left unaddressed, these policies could constrain effective pedagogical practices that are critical to the development of youth civic literacy and democratic participation.

This critical discourse analysis will examine how the model bill, the “Partisanship Out of Civics Act,” has shaped classroom censorship policies across the country. Additionally, this study seeks to illuminate the power dynamics embedded in these policies to better understand the policy mechanisms that aim to limit civic education opportunities. To do so, this study will address the following research questions: (1) What are the objectives and policy design features of the “Partisanship Out of Civics Act”? (2) What are the objectives and policy design features of the state policies modeled after the “Partisanship Out of Civics Act?” (3) How do power dynamics shape the nature of these policies? As a result, this study will provide advocates and policymakers with empirical evidence to inform policies and standards that support comprehensive, inclusive civic education for all students in the United States.

Author

• Mallory Lineberger, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author