A Current Events Response by National Council for the Social Studies
April 17, 2023 

It is the vision of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) to realize a world in which all students are educated and inspired for lifelong inquiry and informed civic action. Legislative action in multiple states leading to banned books and limits on what teachers can teach directly threatens this vision. In order for all students to be educated and inspired, NCSS firmly believes that any legislation that limits what can be taught in the social studies classroom is detrimental to all learners. As stated in our 2016 statement, Academic Freedom and the Social Studies Educator, “Academic freedom means that the political, religious, or philosophical beliefs of politicians, administrators, and members of the public cannot be imposed on students or faculty.” We also affirmed in our 2022 joint statement, The Freedom to Teach, “Teachers need our support; they need our trust; they need to have the freedom to exercise their professional judgment”; therefore, we remain committed to inclusivity. 

In addition to the attacks on social studies curriculum and instruction, the number of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislative and executive actions in multiple states has continued to grow over the past few months. These actions deeply concern us. NCSS recognizes that, due to the federal nature of our governmental system, states have the authority to use executive action and pass legislation within their borders; however, NCSS firmly rejects actions that target specific individuals or groups simply because of their identity. Such actions also directly threaten our vision. In 2022, we reaffirmed our commitment to the existence, freedom, and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere in our Statement in Support of Trans Youth, Trans Educators, and Our LGBTQ+ Community. We want the LGBTQ+ community to know that we see you, we value you, and we recognize your outstanding contributions to education and the world. NCSS stands with you as we continue to fight for equity and justice for all. We reaffirm this same commitment again today and in the future.

NCSS looks forward to continuing our work on justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion with our first Virtual Summer Conference, JEDI in Social Studies, June 22–23, 2023. Diversity, equity, and inclusion guide the policies, procedures, and educational practices of NCSS as we engage in collaborative action that values differences and includes underrepresented voices. NCSS seeks to promote a holistic understanding of humanity, cultures, and the world around us. Social studies educators work to enable students’ opportunities to participate in building the world they will live in, and analyzing the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout their lives.

We are also excited about our 103rd Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 1-3, 2023. With the theme “Social Studies: Working in Harmony for a Better Tomorrow,” our conference planning committee seeks to promote inclusive social studies education. It remains vital that diverse voices be heard, and only when all voices are included can we truly experience harmony as a society. These voices make up regional, national, and international narratives that can often be tied to local stories. Our conference seeks to elevate local narratives. We believe that much of social studies begins in individual communities and that learners need to see themselves as part of a collective story. We also believe that social studies is strengthened by seeking diverse partnerships and new connections, both inside and outside the education sector and beyond political and physical borders. Finally, we ask: What is the future of social studies? This is a critical time, and social studies faces many challenges, yet social studies is poised for a comeback.