Letter to the Editor: Teaching the facts of American history

Teaching the facts of American history

I welcome the controversy in New Hampshire about teaching so-called “divisive concepts.”

The issue of teaching and learning about race and racism in America is finally being addressed and endorsed by elected officials. After all, ideas and knowledge about race and racism are at the root of the difficulties in our nation and need to be explored honestly.

While a recently enacted law, as part of the state budget, prohibits, for example, teaching that any race is inherently superior or inferior, it specifically states that “Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit discussing, as part of a larger course of academic instruction, the historical existence of ideas and subjects identified in this section.”

In fact, the law’s primary sponsor, New Hampshire Senate Majority Leader Sen. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) says the law “does not undermine the — necessary in my view — discussion that as a nation, as a state, we should have about our history and current affairs.” And, according to New Hampshire Sen. Bob Giuda, a Warren Republican, “there’s nothing in this bill that stops teaching the facts. . . It is designed to ensure that facts are brought forward. . .”

Although I am skeptical of the intentions of many of the law’s supporters and despite opposition to the law by respected educators and social justice advocates, the door has not been closed on teaching and learning the facts of American history.

Educators who want students to learn about the aspirations of American democracy should take this new law as a directive from our legislature to teach about America’s stated founding ideals and our nation’s attempts to adhere to these ideals. In addition, students can discuss how they can help our nation achieve those lofty goals.

Tell your school board and school officials to make sure fact-based and inclusive discussions of the history of race and racism are part of your district’s required curriculum.

Jack Hurley

Claremont, NH