Teaching History vs. Dictating Facts: The Legislative Battle for the American Classroom

Who decides how American history is told in our schools?

In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we tackle the heated debate surrounding "Critical Race Theory" (CRT) and the legislative efforts to reshape social studies education. As a veteran educator with 20 years in the classroom, I examine the reality behind Florida's HB 7 (the "Stop WOKE" Act) and similar measures that have been introduced in at least 19 states across the country as of 2026.

We look past the political fiction to discuss the actual impact on teachers and students. From the controversial 2023 benchmarks suggesting enslaved people "developed skills" for personal benefit to the new 2026 "History of Communism" standards, we analyze whether these policies are safeguarding instruction or simply attempting to rewrite the American narrative. Join us for a candid discussion on academic freedom, the importance of historical facts, and the future of social studies in a polarized political landscape.

 

***Photo courtesy: In These Times

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