NCSS Press Release

Approved by the NCSS Board of Directors, May 29, 2020

Silver Spring, MD – In response to the death of George Floyd, National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) condemns the use of excessive violence or force, or extrajudicial processes, used discriminately by law enforcement against blacks in America when investigating or enforcing probable or non-probable causes of infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. These actions are against the civic values and practices we teach all students through social studies education.

NCSS President Tina L. Heafner, Ph.D., expressed, “We are outraged by the use of violence that resulted in the death of George Floyd while being detained by Minneapolis law enforcement this week. Our hearts and sympathy are with the Floyd Family, the residents of Minneapolis, and all grieving Americans. NCSS strives to promote human rights and justice for all human beings regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Mr. Floyd’s death along with the recent killings of two other black people, Ahmaud Arbery (who was shot after being pursued by white men near Brunswick, GA) and Breonna Taylor (who was killed by police officers in Louisville, KY, during a “no-knock” raid of her apartment), are unremitting reminders of deep-seated racism and institutionalized violence against people of color in America. This ongoing injustice of racialized police brutality involving countless black people must stop. Moreover, this systemic pattern of dehumanizing, criminalizing, and terrorizing people of color, and in particular black men, women, and children must end.”

Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies is the largest professional association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies. With members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 35 countries, NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, civics, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education. The NCSS membership represents K-12 classroom teachers, college and university faculty members, curriculum designers and specialists, social studies supervisors, and leaders in the various disciplines that constitute the social studies.