WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 7, 2025, thousands of educators, students, and community members across the United States participated in the fifth annual Teach Truth Day of Action. Organized by the Zinn Education Project, the nationwide initiative aimed to defend the right to teach and learn an honest, inclusive U.S. history amid escalating legislative efforts to censor educational content in K–12 classrooms.
The event featured over 200 actions in 35 states, ranging from rallies and teach-ins to history walking tours and banned book read-ins. Participants gathered at public sites such as libraries, museums, and historic landmarks to highlight the importance of inclusive curricula that reflect the diverse experiences and histories of all Americans. In Berkeley, California, for instance, educators and allies convened at the West Berkeley Shellmound for a teach-in and book fair, emphasizing the need to protect the freedom to learn.
The Teach Truth Day of Action comes in response to a surge in state-level legislation aimed at restricting discussions on race, gender, and systemic inequality in educational settings. Since 2021, more than 800 such bills have been introduced across the country, with many already enacted into law. These measures have raised concerns among educators and civil rights organizations about the erosion of academic freedom and the potential whitewashing of American history.
National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle emphasized the moral responsibility of educators to provide truthful and inclusive education. “As educators, we have the professional and moral responsibility to defend an accurate, inclusive education and the rights of all of our students, no matter their race, gender identity, or immigration status,” Pringle stated. “This day of action across the country is a commitment by educators to teach full and accurate U.S. history and current events, and to affirm the humanity of all students.”
The Zinn Education Project, in collaboration with more than 80 national civil rights and advocacy organizations, provided resources and support for local events. These included downloadable materials, training sessions, and promotional tools to assist communities in organizing their own Teach Truth actions. The initiative also encouraged participants to share their events on social media using the hashtag #TeachTruth to amplify their message and foster a sense of solidarity nationwide.
In addition to in-person events, virtual workshops were held to engage educators and students unable to attend local gatherings. The Pulitzer Center hosted a “1619 Summer Incubator Ask and Apply Workshop,” providing educators with resources from The 1619 Project to develop curricula that explore the legacies of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans to American democracy.
The Teach Truth Day of Action also addressed the broader implications of educational censorship on democracy and social justice. Organizers argue that restricting access to comprehensive historical education undermines the development of critical thinking skills and an informed citizenry. “Education censorship laws are a warning sign of a deeper authoritarian threat — one that aims to control how young people think,” said Jesse Hagopian, a Seattle educator and campaign director for the Zinn Education Project. “Teaching truth hands the keys to the youth, allowing them to unlock their potential to create thriving communities rooted in solidarity.”
As the movement continues to gain momentum, organizers plan to sustain their efforts beyond the annual day of action. The Zinn Education Project encourages ongoing community engagement through local events, school board advocacy, and the promotion of inclusive educational resources. By fostering a nationwide network of educators and activists committed to teaching truthfully, the initiative aims to uphold the principles of equity, inclusion, and democratic education for all students.
