Royel M. Johnson and Shaun R. Harper's book, The Big Lie About Race in America's Schools, delivers a collective response to the challenge of racially charged misinformation, disinformation, and censorship that increasingly permeates and weakens not only US education but also our democracy. Royel Johnson and Shaun Harper bring together leading education scholars and educators to confront the weaponized distortions that are undermining both public education and racial justice. The experts gathered in this work offer strategies to counter these dangerous trends.
The contributors examine efforts both broad and specific, from restrictive education legislation, to book bans, to twisting terminology like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), that are obscuring truth in public education. They demonstrate how this narrowing of ideas does a disservice to all students and especially to those who are underrepresented in curricula.
Ultimately, the book offers clear, actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and advocates who seek solutions that will counter recent trends and transform educational contexts within K–12 and higher education. This volume advocates strengthening educational alliances through shared leadership, organized collaboration, and parental involvement. It also presents innovative countermeasures to help defend public education.