Since the Republican victory of the House of Representatives and Senate in the 2024 election, numerous state legislations have made attempts to censor the discussion of politics in classrooms. While this has been happening for years, the trend gained momentum when Republicans won control of both chambers of the legislative branch. These mandates pose the question of whether political censorship in the classroom ultimately protects or hurts students. 

There is a longstanding principle, set by Supreme Court case Garcetti v. Ceballos, that teachers, as employees of the state, may not attempt to influence their students’ political beliefs. Since the ruling, it became clear that teachers do not have the right to share personal political views, as that speech is not protected under the First Amendment. This has evolved into an unwritten rule that teachers should avoid discussing politics altogether, limiting their ability to truly educate their students. However, many states are beginning to write this ‘unwritten’ rule into law — restricting even nonpartisan political discussion.

In Florida, the “Stop W.O.K.E. Act” (Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees) is a classroom censorship law which restricts educators and students in Florida from discussing issues related to race and gender in educational settings. Florida is one of around 20 states across the country that have passed similar laws aimed at censoring discussions in the classroom since 2023. In Texas, for example, nearly 600 books covering a range of topics from LGBTQ+ themes to racial discrimination were banned across multiple school boards. 

If these efforts continue, the next generation may be compelled to believe a version of history tailored to fit the views of a vocal, oppressive minority. If policymakers truly cared about education, they would focus on policies that will have a real, positive impact on all students, such as ending punitive discipline practices or expanding access to coursework on ethnic studies in order to adopt culturally-sustaining practices in schools. Instead, these censorship policies deprive students and teachers of the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to hold critical conversations in the classroom.

Administrations that oppose the free discussion of politics in classrooms argue that young minds can be too easily manipulated and molded by what they hear and see. However, the reality is that students can actually benefit from political discussions, which have the potential to diversify their opinions through exposure to new perspectives.

In a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 78 percent of Americans agree that political discussions can help people better understand the views of others, fostering empathy. Further, in a study published by the Journal of Political Science Education, research found that participation in classroom discussions on politics actually increased students’ critical thinking skills. 

Advanced Placement (A.P.) United States History and Introduction to Psychology teacher Justin Knoll discussed his perspective on political censorship as a teacher covering the evolution of modern political parties and social issues.

“As an educator, I believe my duty is to help students understand [political information], but within the parameters of an unbiased, unwavering influence,” Knoll said. “I make it a point to stay neutral and discuss all sides, and allow students to form their own positions.” 

While some school boards argue that politics should be avoided in classes due to their potential to be polarizing, every opinion carries some level of bias, and ultimately, it is up to the individual to shape their own perspective. Just because students are young does not mean they are incapable of understanding concepts and forming their own stances on a topic. Restricting open political discussion in the classroom hinders students’ ability to understand their shared place in our democracy. Education thrives in diverse, equitable and inclusive school environments. Censorship denies students the knowledge they need to critically analyze our society and practice empathy towards different opinions and the people that hold them. 

A.P. English Language and Composition and Business Pod teacher Shannon Skelly explained her philosophy on listening to different viewpoints.

“I feel that the more opinions we are exposed to, the more well rounded we are as global citizens and human beings,” Skelly said. “It becomes a problem if teachers are trying to indoctrinate students and make them believe their same opinions, but having a conversation around politics and social issues helps students critically think and ultimately make up their own minds.” 

“It is important to learn how to have civil dialogue in a space that’s considered ‘safe’, a classroom,” she added.

There is a balance between encouraging individual thought and fostering diverse opinions in the political realm. Teachers should not shy away from ‘scary’ or ‘intimidating’ discussions; the real world isn’t censored so school shouldn’t be either. Educators can guide safe political conversations without imposing their opinions onto others.

Furthermore, political knowledge can prove to protect students in their personal lives. On Jan. 21, the Trump Administration announced that the United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can now enter schools, churches, and hospitals, areas that had previously been protected, to detain suspected undocumented immigrants. In response, Adam Licea, one of Pali’s assistant principals, shared LAUSD ‘Know Your Rights’ red cards to Pali families and staff on Jan. 30. The cards provide guidance on how to speak with law enforcement to uphold users’ 4th and 5th Amendment rights. 

Like Licea, Skelly also emphasized the importance of equipping students with the ability to navigate current legislation and policies.

“As staff, it is an utmost priority to protect our students and keep them safe,” she said. “Without knowledge of the world around them, they can be isolated and unaware of possible dangers.” 

The Trump Administration’s new policy regarding ICE only increases the vitality of giving students the resources to acknowledge and assess the legislation that could possibly affect them and many individuals around them. It raises questions about whether the discussion of politics in classrooms becomes even more necessary when it regards students’ wellbeing.

Pali junior Isabel Bierner agrees that teachers have a responsibility to teach not only academics but also social and political literacy.  

“Open discussion of politics is necessary for students to understand what’s going on in the world and navigate a tricky political climate,” Bierner said.

Students must learn that their voice is valued when they contribute to the larger conversation, and that their voices must be respected, understood and appreciated. As authority figures who are often asked questions by students, teachers have the responsibility to encourage political discussions. Dialogue on current events and activities that promote civic engagement are essential, especially in election years similar to the past one. 

Skelly explained the importance of political discussions, especially as students become eligible voters, as witnessed in the past election where numerous Pali students cast their ballots.

“It is vital as teachers to empower our students and emphasize how much their vote matters, especially in local elections,” she said. 

Knoll corroborated Skelly’s sentiment. 

“We can do a better job of helping others understand elections, especially at the local level where we are closely affected,” he added.

It’s impossible to remove politics from the classroom because teaching itself is inherently political—-from the curriculum that is developed to textbooks that are chosen to funding that  schools receive.

Our country was founded on the premise that debate is essential, and discussing politics reflects the liberty that America prides itself on. Censoring teachable moments would create a generation that fails to appreciate opposing viewpoints and avoids expressing their own opinions. Teachers must not shy away from discussing politics; instead, they must emphasize to students the power they hold as voters and their responsibility to engage in democratic processes as United States citizens.