From opinions on the upcoming elections to the Israel-Palestine conflict, many of us have strong beliefs we want to express at school. Teachers, however, face a challenge: they must strike the fine balance between creating an inclusive space in classrooms and retaining free speech. Both for teachers’ and students’ benefit, MHS should encourage teachers’ free speech on political topics in classrooms.
First and foremost, teachers are individuals who deserve First Amendment rights to express themselves at school, within legal guidelines. Their self-expression also benefits students by providing us with mature, nuanced ideas and examples of critical thinking, as opposed to the misinformed convictions we’re often exposed to online. How can we have meaningful discourse in schools if we prevent the conversations that make it possible?
Restricting teachers’ free speech may also create a “chilling effect’’ where teachers self-censor. According to the RAND Corporation, 65% of surveyed teachers reported they restricted lessons on political and social issues without prompting, amidst the rise of laws limiting classroom discussions on race, history, and gender. Similarly, if our school bans teachers’ free speech, teachers may be afraid to teach about political topics essential to the curriculum.
Some argue that teachers sharing political opinions may alienate students with differing views. This is absolutely a risk, and we need a system for students to report discomfort. However, such instances can also help students learn how to handle differing opinions—an essential life skill.
Some also argue that teachers should remain apolitical to avoid impressing their views on students, but I believe the opposite. In our English classes, who leads discussions on gender and sexuality, despite some Republicans heavily contesting it? In social studies, who decides to teach about systemic racism in America, despite conservative advocacy groups challenging it? Our teachers. The very way teachers teach has become a political statement. Therefore, as long as teachers don’t attempt to indoctrinate students, they should share relevant political opinions so students can identify any bias in their schooling for themselves. In short, teachers must share their views to avoid inadvertently impressing them.
According to the National Education Association, public school districts have significant authority to determine teachers’ capacity for free speech. Given this power, our district must choose to preserve teachers’ free speech and facilitate conversations that turn students into citizens.