The conservative misinformation campaign sweeping across our country that purports to defend education against a so-called "anti-white" curriculum is hard to miss, and easy to misunderstand.

As the Critical Race Theory counter-campaign mobilizes racist ideology to regain political capital, we must not allow a false narrative to take hold. In fact, baseless claims from conservative leaders that this "divisive curriculum" exacerbates racism and corrupts our youth has prompted an ironic opportunity to demonstrate the necessity of truth in education.

Most people are familiar with a very specific narrative and framing of American history, what many historians call the Master Narrative. But what is lesser known is that this framing is wrought with omissions and inconsistencies, glossing over facts and creating myths and misconceptions that withhold the full truth of our history from our children. The next generation of miseducated youth will be the ones living and building a future based upon the history they learn, it is essential they learn the truth.

Right now, nearly half of states are using this anti-CRT momentum to ban the teaching of what they claim to be "divisive" concepts –– for example, the teaching of our nation's racial history. Within the next eight months, laws that broadly limit how teachers can talk about discrimination, gender, race, privilege, sexuality, and oppression will continue to be passed across the country.

Impactful educators will lose their jobs and those afraid of backlash will censor their teaching. Our right to an educational curriculum that mirrors our world and affirms, empowers, and motivates all students will depend on citizens like you standing up for truth in education.

Take the Defending Truth in Education Pledge

"I want our children to be taught a more inclusive, accurate, and comprehensive truth about U.S. history, its impact on the laws and structures we see today, and its implications for the world they live in."