Pew Survey Reveals Divide on Race and LGBTQ Discussions in Schools

Teachers express concerns over limited influence on curriculum, while public opinion on gender identity and racism topics remains mixed.

A new Pew Research Center survey reveals a national divide on discussing race and LGBTQ issues in classrooms, with teachers, students, and the public holding mixed views.
Teachers report feeling constrained by government and parental influence over curriculum, with 71% saying they lack sufficient influence over what is taught.
About half of teachers and students are hesitant about including gender identity topics in education, while discussions on racism are viewed as more acceptable.
Legislative trends aimed at restricting discussions on controversial topics are seen as detrimental to inclusive education and potentially harmful to LGBTQ youth mental health.
The survey underscores the complexity of public opinion on education topics, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches to curriculum development.