U.S. Department of Education (ED), State and Local Education Agencies (SEAs/LEAs)

Curriculum Standards (34 CFR Part 200 – Title I) Targeted Rescission: Rescind regulatory changes that limit or politicize the teaching of race, identity, social justice, and scientific topics (e.g., climate change, public health). Restore inclusive, evidence-based curriculum standards that ensure racial equity and critical science education are taught comprehensively, reflecting diverse perspectives, and are free from political interference. Federal Funding Eligibility (34 CFR Part 75 – Direct Grant Programs) Targeted Rescission: Rescind changes that restrict federal funding for educational programs promoting racial equity, climate science, and public health education. Restore eligibility for comprehensive education programs that include science-based curricula (such as climate change) and racial equity content, ensuring funding supports programs that promote academic integrity and inclusive teaching. State-Level Gag Rules (State Regulations & Executive Orders) Targeted Rescission: Rescind state-level executive orders and regulations that impose gag rules restricting the teaching of race, identity, and systemic inequality in public school curricula. Restore educators’ autonomy to teach these critical topics without legal or administrative barriers, allowing open, fact-based discussions about historical and contemporary issues related to race and social justice.

Curricular Gag Rules and Restrictions on Science and Racial Equity Education

Recent regulatory changes and state-level gag rules have placed unnecessary restrictions on teaching science, racial equity, and history in K-12 public education. These rules undermine students' ability to engage with critical issues of race, justice, and science, and contribute to an education system that is less inclusive, less accurate, and less reflective of the diverse experiences of all students. Rescinding these gag rules and restoring comprehensive public education standards will ensure that students receive an accurate, inclusive, and well-rounded education that prepares them for an increasingly complex and diverse world.

U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202

Federal Student Aid Information Center Phone: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) Email: studentaid@ed.gov

In recent years, gag rules and curriculum restrictions have been implemented at the state level, blocking the teaching of critical race theory (CRT), systemic inequality, and even historical events related to race, social justice, and public health. These restrictions have been compounded by the narrowing of science curriculum standards, particularly related to the environmental sciences and climate change education, due to political pressures. These efforts limit students’ ability to fully engage with science and history in a way that acknowledges the full breadth of human experience. The No Child Left Behind Act and later the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) originally called for inclusive education standards, but recent changes have reversed many of these commitments.

The gag rules imposed on public education are antithetical to the principles of academic freedom, critical thinking, and the free exchange of ideas. Science and racial equity education is critical to developing well-informed, engaged citizens who understand not only the empirical world but also the historical and social contexts that shape our society. Rescinding these gag rules will ensure that future generations of students are equipped with the knowledge and tools to address real-world issues related to climate change, public health, and social justice, while also fostering more inclusive discussions about race and identity in the classroom.

Curriculum Standards: The Department of Education will reinstate comprehensive guidelines that ensure science curriculum is based on established scientific consensus, including climate change, environmental justice, and public health education. Racial Equity: All educational programs will be required to include a comprehensive curriculum on race, identity, history, and social justice, reflecting a diverse array of perspectives, and ensuring that students understand both the historical context and current-day implications of inequality and systemic racism. Teacher Autonomy: Teachers will be empowered to deliver curriculum that covers critical topics related to race, science, and history without fear of administrative or legal retaliation. They will also receive training to teach these topics effectively and inclusively. No Gag Rules: State-level restrictions on the teaching of race and equity topics will be reversed to allow for a broader and more inclusive curriculum that accurately reflects the complexities of our society.

Linda E McMahon

Secretary of Education