How Policies That Restrict Teaching About Race and Gender 'Spill Over'

As of January 2023, 18 states had passed policies that restrict teachers' instruction on certain political and social issues, such as topics related to race and gender. New RAND survey results suggest that these policies affect teachers and students beyond the states where restrictions have been put in place.

Many teachers who are not subject to any restrictions said they chose on their own—without direction from school or district leaders—to limit classroom discussions about political and social topics. In fact, 65 percent of U.S. teachers reported deciding to limit discussions about “divisive topics” related to race or gender. That's nearly double the share of teachers whose states restrict what they can cover in their classrooms.

Teachers’ reasons for choosing to limit their instruction included a fear of upsetting parents; uncertainty about whether school and district leaders would support them if parents expressed concerns; and an overall lack of guidance from school or district leaders. Further, teachers were more likely to choose to limit classroom discussions of social and political topics if they worked in more–politically conservative communities.

These findings raise questions about how many students across the United States have opportunities to engage in discussions on current or controversial issues—a proven practice necessary for civic development.