The backers of these new laws are trying to gag and scare teachers to keep them from meeting their professional obligation to teach students honest history. They want to deprive students of a robust understanding of our common history. This will put students at a disadvantage in life by knocking a big hole in their understanding of our country and the world.

I recently viewed an exhibit of Ansel Adams’ photos documenting the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. In the current climate, I wondered whether this part of American history, or many of the topics I taught, would be prohibited in the name of banning critical race theory.

Many teachers have similar concerns.

My union, the American Federation of Teachers, will defend any member who gets in trouble for teaching honest history. We have a legal defense fund ready to go. And we are preparing for litigation as we speak. Teaching the truth is not radical or wrong. Distorting history and threatening educators for teaching the truth is what is truly radical and wrong. It crosses a dangerous line when legislators attempt to erase history. And it hurts our efforts to make schools safe and welcoming for all our children.