Teaching in the Shadow of "Divisive Concepts": The Impact of Anti-Equity Legislation on Teachers' Work

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The “divisive concepts” movement has spawned efforts in 26 states to censor teachers’ work and ban content from school curriculum. Impacts on teachers include suppression of curriculum and threats to teaching credentials if educators persist in using language or concepts deemed “divisive.” In this session, you will hear from a diverse panel of K16 educators from the upper Midwest who will share how the divisive concepts movement has cast a shadow over their lives and work. This session will highlight the complex and vulnerable position teachers find themselves in as they navigate the border between their work to build equitable and inclusive schools and the real political and economic consequences of violating divisive concepts bans.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Teachers Work/Teacher Unions

Chair

• Janel Anderson, Gonzaga University

Discussant

• Diana E. Hess, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Papers

• Teachers' Decision Making Around Leaving Their Classrooms and Curriculum Choices in the Wake of Divisive Concepts - Zipporah Smith, Merrill Middle School; Stacy Schmidt

• The Diverse Concepts Movement Is Coming for Your Teaching License - Yonas W. Michael, Iowa State University; Missy Springsteen-Haupt, Iowa State University

• The Looming Shadow: Pressure on Equity-Focused Teachers in States Without Divisive Concepts Laws - Paula Tonn, Lodi High School

• Preparing Justice-Oriented Teachers Amid Resurgent White Supremacy - Gabriel Rodriguez, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign