For Immediate Release
July 12, 2021
GAE takes stance on resolution prohibiting the teaching of the whole truth
ATLANTA -- “The true intent of this resolution is to create a divide between parents and public school educators and to sow distrust and erode confidence in our public schools and hard-working Georgia educators. The private-interest groups and lawmakers that pressed for this resolution are the same ones calling for private school vouchers and for-profit charter schools. While these groups are driven by money and politics, Georgia educators are driven by a love for their students and their profession,” said Lisa Morgan, kindergarten teacher and president of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) referring to the state board of education’s passage of a resolution prohibiting the teaching of factual accounts.
“Georgia teachers are committed to providing a high-quality education for their students within the framework of the Georgia Standards of Excellence,” said Morgan. “This includes a commitment to fact-based instruction on --difficult -- but important topics. There is no group of individuals more passionate and committed to ensuring Georgia students continue to receive a high-quality and well-rounded education. We are committed to teaching the whole truth and we take great pride in our professional integrity.”
Morgan contends that under the resolution, the ability of Georgia’s teachers to apply appropriate instructional decisions for their students will be severely limited. “Culturally-responsive pedagogy is now being thrown out the window, limiting our teachers’ autonomy to teach something other than what has been handed to them. Current events have real world applications and connections for our students, and that is the reason teachers embed them in their instruction,” said Morgan.
In addition, while state board of education leaders have said that this is simply a resolution that holds no consequence, Morgan underscores that it is just a matter of time before legislation is dropped. “GAE has been around too long to go for the sleight of hand. At least one legislator has said he will drop a bill seeking to codify this during the next legislative session. GAE will bring everything to bear to ensure it does not become law,” she said. “The passage of such a law, could serve as a chilling effect on the teaching of historic facts and state standards on race in Georgia and be a disservice to our students and a slap in the face for Georgia educators who strictly follow the Georgia Standards of Excellence.”
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