A recent article at NPR got me thinking about the choices I made during the pandemic. One of the places I had considered teaching in was Oklahoma. The article lets me know that I made the right choice in not relocating there.

In response to an Oklahoma law restricting how race and gender can be taught in schools, community activist Kristi Williams has started a free programme called 'Black History Saturdays' to teach African American history. The law has had a chilling effect, causing teachers to avoid lessons on racism out of fear of complaints or punishment.

Williams' programme allows Black families and children to learn about racial history and struggles that teachers are now afraid to cover. Volunteer teachers provide lessons to students of all ages on topics like the Tulsa race massacre, civil rights leaders, and slavery. They can teach openly without the limitations faced in public schools.

The law aims to ban teachings that one race or gender is superior or that people inherently discriminate due to race or gender. But its vague wording has led teachers to censor discussions of racism to avoid backlash. Williams still takes precautions to protect her teachers from reprisals.

Students appreciate learning uncensored Black history. Sixth grader Kenya Debose says the law is "taking our history away from us" and these lessons teach her more about her culture. Her grandmother, a retired teacher, is upset that concerned citizens now have to fill gaps in race education. But she says Black communities have long had to unite against oppression.

This is not the first time Oklahoma has limited what teachers can discuss in the classroom. It is already illegal for teachers to criticise the powerful oil industry or suggest alternative energy sources (e.g., small-scale nuclear / molten sulfur reactors / thorium reactors / etc.) in classes. Teachers also cannot mention that economic systems other than capitalism exist and are / have been successful. This further narrows the Overton window of permitted speech and critical thought in Oklahoma schools. The state seems intent on enforcing a singular narrative that does not prompt students to question the status quo regarding issues of race, gender, business interests or ideological perspectives. In this restrictive educational environment, supplementary programmes like Black History Saturdays provide a small counterbalance by exposing students to historical truths and concepts banned from official school curriculums.

So three cheers for the Community Organisers!