Comment on Banning 1619 Project ‘threat to public education,’ teacher says

Banning the “1619 Project” about the impact of slavery and Black Americans on U.S. history from Iowa schools as a state lawmaker proposes would “be a threat to public education,” says a Fairfield schoolteacher, echoing concerns of other educators.House File 222, sponsored by Rep. Skyler Wheeler, R-Orange City, would ban schools, community colleges and state universities from using any history curriculum obtained from the 1619 Project, which was created by an Iowa native.Wheeler said he has concerns the project is not historically accurate.His bill, which passed an education subcommittee two weeks ago but has not been taken up more broadly, states that the Iowa Legislature “has a strong interest in promoting an accurate account of this nation’s history through public schools and forming young people into knowledgeable and patriotic citizens.” Public schools that use the project or similar curriculum could receive reduced funding if the legislation passes.