Campaign for Our Shared Future Launches "The Unbiased Classroom" Blog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 10, 2023

Campaign for Our Shared Future Launches "The Unbiased Classroom" Blog

"The Unbiased Classroom" is a resource that aims to shed light on the effects of politics entering the education system and how it’s hurting all of our children

WASHINGTON, DC - The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is excited to announce the launch of its blog, "The Unbiased Classroom" which serves as a space for open dialogue and respectful discussions on today's challenging topics. By leveraging the expertise and perspectives of guest authors, including educators, parents, leaders, and other passionate advocates, this blog will delve into preserving the integrity of our educational system.

"Education is the cornerstone of our society, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality and inclusive learning environment. 'The Unbiased Classroom' serves as a powerful platform for fostering dialogue, challenging existing norms, and working towards a future where equity and excellence are not mere aspirations, but fundamental principles guiding our educational system,” said Heather Harding, Ed.D, Executive Director of COSF.

COSF recognizes the value of open dialogue and respectful discussions, especially on the most pressing issues of our time. "The Unbiased Classroom" is specifically designed to foster such conversations, enabling everyone from educators to politicians to seek common ground and work together towards effective solutions that prioritize the well-being and success of our children.

COSF is pleased that its inaugural guest author is Willie Carver, Jr a former Kentucky Teacher of the Year and author who was forced to resign due to the relentless harassment he endured, as well as the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination on his teaching and the overall school environment.

Read an excerpt from States Across America Just Handed their Curriculum to Extremists:

Education has always dealt with the political reality of racism and homophobia, but, as multiple recent reports show, those issues are worsening in public schools–and our communities are feeling the aftershock. Schools are erasing LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices in order to avoid controversy and legal repercussions at a time when students in those communities need to feel inclusion and belonging for their wellbeing.

I saw this erasure play out often in my former school district, Montgomery County Schools in Mount Sterling, KY. As a member of the English Department, I worked with my colleagues to select age-appropriate texts. One of those books was the award-winning The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Just one parent called and complained. It was banned the next day. At the time, our superintendent broke school policy in banning the book in one day without a process. Now, lack of process has become standard practice.

You can read the full post here.

Willie's powerful personal experience underscores the urgent need for inclusivity and tolerance within our educational institutions. Through his courageous story, "The Unbiased Classroom" aims to shed light on the challenges faced by educators and students alike, with the ultimate goal of effecting positive change.

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The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is a non-partisan effort to support high-quality K-12 education and preserve access, inclusion, and meaningful content in our schools so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and thrive. COSF is a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on education across the country.