Topic: Abolitionist Teaching

The U.S. Department of Education faced criticism for including a link to the Abolitionist Teaching Network in a handbook for reopening schools during COVID-19. Dr. Carol Swain of the 1776 Commission argues that the inclusion was not an error but a reflection of the Biden administration's alignment with radical activist groups. The administration later backtracked, claiming the citation was an error in a lengthy document.

Middle school teacher Kevin Melrose advocates for "abolitionist teaching," a concept developed by Dr. Bettina L. Love that requires white teachers to relinquish power and check their "white emotionality." Melrose uses controversial terminology, referring to "dark folks" and "dark spaces," while arguing that white people must "get well" before engaging in social justice work. This pedagogy explicitly aims to move beyond being an "ally" to becoming a "co-conspirator."