Teachers’ union and parents sue N.H. officials over law restricting teachings on racism, oppression
New Hampshire Supreme Court. (csreed/Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A New Hampshire teachers’ union is suing state officials over a law restricting certain teachings on race, racism, and other forms of oppression. The American Federation of Teachers – New Hampshire filed the lawsuit along with several parents and teachers in federal court.
The lawsuit alleges the law prevents teachers from meeting certain state educational standards, such as teaching about bigotry and discrimination. It also alleges that it violates teachers’ constitutional rights to free speech and due process.
It names three state officials involved in enforcing the law: Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut, Attorney General John Formella, and Christian Kim, who chairs the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights.
The law in question – called the ‘Right to Freedom from Discrimination in Public Workplaces and Education’ – was passed as part of the state budget in June. It prohibits teachers from teaching that any one group is inherently racist or superior, and from teaching that people should not attempt to treat those in certain groups “without regard” to their differences.