The recent endorsement by Louisiana leadership of PragerU’s educational content raises serious red flags about the accuracy and inclusivity of the instructional material provided to students and teachers here in our state.
June 14, 2024 by Tramelle Howard, J.D. 
Dr. Cade Brumley
State Superintendent of Education
Louisiana Department of Education
P.O. Box 94064
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064
RE: Louisiana Students Deserve to Be Taught a Complete and Honest History
Dear Superintendent Brumley & Members of the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
The recent endorsement by Louisiana leadership of PragerU’s educational content raises serious red flags about the accuracy and inclusivity of the instructional material provided to students and teachers here in our state. It is imperative that we, as members of our school communities, ensure that all educational resources included in curricula are not only factually correct and of high-quality, but also non-biased and representative of all cultures and histories.
PragerU’s content has been widely criticized for promoting distorted historical events, advancing false narratives, and marginalizing important voices. For instance, their portrayal of figures like Christopher Columbus and Frederick Douglass in a manner that downplays the atrocities of slavery and colonialism is deeply troubling. Such representations not only misinform students but also fail to acknowledge the experiences and contributions of marginalized communities in ways that are still relevant today.
A truthful curriculum should not shy away from the complexities of our past. Students deserve to learn about the injustices that have shaped this nation and the efforts to overcome them, so that they may build a more just future as patriotic Americans and civically engaged members of their community. This includes providing students with an understanding of the Civil Rights Movement, the struggles of Indigenous peoples, and the ongoing fight for progress, equality, and justice.
As a former middle school history teacher, I have seen firsthand the benefits of teaching students a complete and honest history. Research shows that a truthful and culturally relevant curriculum is essential for fostering an inclusive classroom environment. When students of color see their histories and cultures reflected in lessons, it validates their experiences and promotes a sense of belonging, while benefiting all students academically.
This approach also encourages critical thinking and empathy, as white students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and understand the impact of historical events on communities different from their own. Educators should be wary of any content that seeks to simplify or sanitize complex historical narratives to fit a particular ideological framework.
I urge the Louisiana Department of Education to reconsider this partnership with PragerU and to prioritize educational materials that uphold the values of truth, inclusivity, and cultural relevance. Our students deserve an education that empowers them to think critically and prepares them to be informed, empathetic, and engaged citizens in a diverse and democratic society.
Sincerely,
EdTrust-Louisiana
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