Lawmakers in at least 27 states are attempting to pass legislation that would require teachers to lie to students about the role of racism, sexism, heterosexism, and oppression throughout U.S. history.

In response, educators across the United States are signing a pledge to teach the truth.

To raise public awareness about the danger of these bills, we invite educators to make that pledge public in gatherings at historic sites nationwide on August 27-29, 2021.

This is a national call. Although bills and budget resolutions are being proposed (and in some cases passed) in specific states, the threat to teaching — and the need for solidarity — is everywhere.

We who marched for equality and endured jail for Freedom rise now to fight against this new wave of teacher-intimidation and thought-suppression laws being enacted in Republican-controlled states to distort and deny the violent realities of racism and white supremacy in American life and history.

To all the courageous teachers who won’t back down from teaching their students the truth, we stand with you.

Read more pledges and add your name today.