Imagine walking into your classroom to find that half the novels on your syllabus have been challenged or removed. Or fielding angry emails because you mentioned race, gender, or current events in a lesson.
Across many states, teaching has become intensely political. Culture wars have spilled into schools, resulting in book bans, “anti-critical race theory” laws, restrictions on LGBTQ+ topics, and public vilification of educators.
How can teachers uphold professional values and provide honest, inclusive education under these conditions? This blog explores strategies for surviving, and even thriving, amidst censorship and backlash. You are not alone; teachers nationwide are finding ways to resist self-censorship, support one another, and keep their classrooms places of free inquiry and empathy.
A 2023 national survey by First Book and Unite Against Book Bans found that 71 percent of teachers believe book banning undermines their professional expertise, while 40 percent say it makes them feel that entire communities and histories are being erased.
The New Climate of Censorship
Across the United States, book bans and curriculum restrictions have surged at a rate unseen in decades. The American Library Association reports record-breaking numbers of challenges in K–12 schools, with titles by authors of color, LGBTQ+ writers, and those addressing race, gender, or social justice disproportionately targeted. At the same time, several states have passed sweeping laws that limit how teachers may discuss so-called “divisive concepts,” effectively chilling honest classroom dialogue about history and identity.
The impact on educators has been profound. A 2023 national survey by First Book and Unite Against Book Bans found that 71 percent of teachers believe book banning undermines their professional expertise, while 40 percent say it makes them feel that entire communities and histories are being erased¹. The study concluded that censorship creates a “chilling effect” that discourages teachers from including diverse authors or complex historical topics. As a result, even long-established lessons on slavery, the Holocaust, Indigenous history, or civil-rights movements, once considered foundational to civic education, are now sometimes labeled “divisive” or “political.”
Teachers have reported harassment, threats, and online attacks simply for assigning award-winning books or facilitating discussions on race or gender. Yet it’s essential to remember that the loudest voices of backlash do not represent the majority. Polling consistently shows that most parents and students trust teachers and support access to diverse perspectives. The uproar may feel overwhelming, but keeping that broader reality in mind can help you stay steady and confident.
long-established lessons on slavery, the Holocaust, Indigenous history, or civil-rights movements, once considered foundational to civic education, are now sometimes labeled “divisive” or “political.”
Building Alliances and Support
Facing a potential book ban or public backlash can feel isolating, so don’t go it alone. Reach out to colleagues, chances are, others in your school or district are grappling with similar issues. Forming a united front, or at least a support group, can make a huge difference. Teacher unions and professional associations (like NCTE or NCSS) have resources on academic freedom and may provide legal advice if needed. Consider allies among parents and the community too.
Many parents are outraged by censorship and will speak at school board meetings or sign petitions to defend teachers’ freedom to teach. Highlighting positive parental support can also remind administrators and officials that not everyone supports the bans; in fact, a majority of Americans oppose book bans and trust teachers to choose appropriate materials.²
If you are ever under direct fire, say a social media post misrepresents your lesson, document everything and inform your administration immediately. Often, principals will manage the public relations aspect, and your job is to keep doing your job professionally. It’s wise to refrain from engaging on public social media about the controversy (no matter how tempting) and let official channels respond, to avoid things being taken out of context.
a majority of Americans oppose book bans and trust teachers to choose appropriate materials
Navigating Backlash in the Moment
Let’s say a parent or community member confronts you directly with “Why are you teaching my child this political garbage?” It’s natural to feel defensive, but try to stay calm and professional. Ask to discuss concerns privately rather than in front of students or via a public forum like Facebook.
In conversation, listen first. Often, people’s fears are driving them. Maybe a parent fears their child is being “made to feel guilty” about history, or that certain values are being undermined. Acknowledge the concern: “I understand you want your child to feel comfortable and supported in school. I do too.” Then clarify the purpose of your lesson or text in a non-ideological way: “In our class, we’re studying how authors portray different perspectives. This book helps students understand what life was like for a teen during the civil rights movement, which connects to our history unit. We approach it critically and thoughtfully.”
Emphasize skills and empathy rather than “politics.” If the concern is about meeting a state law (like a requirement not to teach that any race is inherently superior/inferior – which of course you wouldn’t teach anyway), you can say: “I’m aware of the guidelines, and I assure you nothing in our curriculum violates them. Our goal is to learn from history, not to place blame on students.” Sometimes, providing a copy of the text or lesson plan to the parent can demystify it. The more transparency, the better – sunshine often dispels the unwarranted suspicion. Throughout, maintain that you are an educator acting in good faith, not an activist indoctrinating.
At the same time, set boundaries. It’s okay to say, “If you have further concerns, you can schedule a meeting with me and the curriculum director to discuss this.” This signals that you take them seriously but also engages the larger institution (which can temper those who might otherwise bully an individual teacher). It also shows you’re not hiding – you stand by your teaching and are willing to review it with supervisors present.
Resilience and Self-Care
The emotional toll of teaching in a politicized environment is real. It’s exhausting always being on guard. So, it’s important to find ways to recharge. Focus on the joyful moments in your classroom, the insightful discussion, the student who tells you a book you recommended changed their perspective, the laughter during a learning game. These remind you why you teach.
Connect with like-minded educators online (for example, the #TeachTruth or #FReadom hashtags on social media where teachers and librarians share solidarity in fighting censorship). There’s a whole community out there validating that what you do matters. Also, feel free to take breaks from the news cycle or social media if the negativity gets too much. Engage in self-care routines: exercise, hobbies, time with family – the same advice you’d give colleagues or students about handling stress. You can’t pour from an empty cup; staying well will help you be a steady presence for your students despite external turmoil.
Concluding thoughts
In times of backlash, remember that teaching truth is a profession of courage. By continuing to include diverse books and honest history, you are giving your students intellectual freedom and critical thinking skills they deserve. Every time you persevere in the face of unjust criticism, you model integrity and resilience.
As you navigate this landscape, celebrate your small victories: the one parent who thanked you for exposing their child to a new perspective, or the student who says your class is the first time they felt seen in the curriculum. Those are beacons cutting through the storm.
If you want more concrete strategies and a supportive network, join TeacherLAB’s course “Navigating Political Backlash as an Educator.” In that course, educators and experts share legal tips for protecting your job while teaching controversial material, methods to diplomatically handle complaints, and case studies of schools that successfully resisted censorship You’ll learn how to advocate for your students’ right to read and your own professional autonomy. The backlash might be loud, but with knowledge, support, and courage, you can continue to teach boldly and truthfully. Your students need and deserve nothing less.
In times of backlash, remember that teaching truth is a profession of courage. By continuing to include diverse books and honest history, you are giving your students intellectual freedom and critical thinking skills they deserve.
