Last year for Black History Month, OtherWords writer Tracey L. Rogers wrote about the surging effort by conservative politicians to censor the teaching, study, and whole concept of Black history. Has anything changed since then?
This week in OtherWords, Svante Myrick takes stock.
The good news, he writes, is that voters have repeatedly rejected pro-censorship candidates, public pressure has rolled back some book banning efforts, and many states are now considering new protections to make sure kids are free to learn history.
But the censorship movement hasn’t gone away, he warns. And kids of every color deserve our continued efforts to protect the right to learn, in Black History Month and all year long.
Meanwhile, speaking of lessons we learn in school, Safiya Simmons, Laura Collins, and Suzette Gardner offer an insightful take on the uniquely American aversion to paid sick leave: It starts with perfect attendance awards at school, they say. Should we really be sending kids the message that work matters more than their health? See what you think!
Also this week, Paul Armentano reports on the slow but unmistakable shift of federal public health officials on marijuana. And Jim Hightower rails against the 15 GOP governors who’ve rejected federal food aid for 8 million poor kids.
New This Week…
This Black History Month, Fight for the Freedom to Learn | Svante Myrick
More than ever, we need to protect our schools, libraries, and kids from censors and book banners. Our country will be better for it.
Changing the Culture Around Paid Leave Starts at School | Safiya Simmons, Laura Collins, Suzette Gardner
We need a federal paid leave program. We also need to abandon the idea, starting in school, that “perfect attendance” matters more than your health.
Is the Government Finally Abandoning Its ‘Flat Earth’ Cannabis Policy? | Paul Armentano
Now even top public health agencies agree: Cannabis shouldn’t be federally classified like heroin. Will the DEA listen?
Turning Down Food Assistance for Poor Children Is Shockingly Callous | Jim Hightower
15 right-wing governors are shamefully refusing federal aid meant to feed hungry kids.
Cartoon: Exposed to Justice | Khalil Bendib
The former president’s abusive behavior towards women has been nothing if not consistent. Now it’s going to cost him.
In Case You Missed It…
It’s Not ‘Inflation’ — We’re Just Getting Ripped Off. Here’s Proof. | Lindsay Owens and Elizabeth Pancotti
Corporate profits accounted for more than half of recent price increases. To stamp out inflation once and for all, we need to crack down on price gouging.
Lawmakers Must Fully Fund the WIC Program | Candace Baker
Half of all babies — including mine — rely on this essential program. But unless Congress acts, millions could face food insecurity.
Airbnb Drives Up Housing Costs for All of Us. Let’s Regulate It. | Sonali Kolhatkar
Corporate landlords are buying up homes and converting them into short-term rentals, but some cities are fighting back.
We Need Public Transit Everywhere, Not Just Big Cities | LeeAnn Hall
For too long, policymakers have prioritized highways over transit, which has been bad for communities big and small. A new bill could change that.
