As dozens of state laws restrict how race and history are taught in schools, and with books banned from school libraries in record numbers, many teachers are doubling down on their commitment to teach young people about institutionalized racism and how to organize for justice.

One example of this commitment is the overwhelming response to an offer for free copies of The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, the young readers’ edition of a book by acclaimed historian Jeanne Theoharis, adapted by award-winning YA author Brandy Colbert.

Since April, we have shipped 13,000 copies of the book to teachers. We've placed an emphasis on distributing copies to educators in states with laws passed or pending that would ban teaching about institutionalized racism — which Rosa Parks spent much of her life resisting.

Juneteenth — June 19th, also known as Emancipation Day — is one of the commemorations of people seizing their freedom in the United States.

Yet, if the right wing has its way, it will be illegal to teach students about Juneteenth. At least 42 states have passed or proposed legislation to prohibit teaching about structural racism. The goal of conservative legislators: to outlaw teaching about the founding of this country on slavery and genocide or the long Black freedom struggle. 

Some statewide bills ban teaching about the very structures and systems that led to enslavement as well as how these structures continue to manifest in policing, redlining, voter suppression laws, and more.

But educators around the country continue to pledge to teach the truth about structural racism.

Last weekend, teachers in at least 25 cities joined the national #TeachTruth Days of Action. They pledged at historic sites to illustrate the history that teachers are required to lie about or omit where the GOP anti-history bills become law — like the African American Civil War Memorial below.

The #TeachTruth campaign continues all year.

Take a photo with a sign at a historic site and share it on social media. Read how here.

We offer articles and lessons to teach outside the textbook about Juneteenth.

More than 8,300 educators have signed a pledge that says:

If you have not already, sign the pledge and share why you refuse to lie to children.

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