Fired for Teaching Truth: Matt Hawn's Battle for Racial Equity

The Teacher's Forum

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In this compelling episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David interviews Matt Hawn, a veteran high school teacher from Tennessee who was fired in 2021 for teaching about race and white privilege. As educational landscapes across the country face unprecedented challenges, his experience sheds light on the broader issues at play. Matt openly explores the events leading up to his firing, and the larger context of political and social changes in education today. He also shares his perspective on the impact of the state's divisive concepts legislation on teachers and students, the challenges he faced during the appeals process, and the importance of standing up for teachers' rights. Matt emphasizes the need for support systems and resources for teachers facing similar situations and shares advice for educators navigating this perilous time. Join us for this important and inspiring conversation on an issue that is affecting teachers across the country.

To support Matt financially as he goes through the appeal process go to Matt's Go Fund Me page.
Check out these advocacy organizations for teachers: The Education Trust; The African American Policy Forum
Additional Articles and Resources:
Matt Hawn's story: A White teacher taught White students about White privilege. It cost him his job
A Mississippi Teacher was Terminated for Reading a Book
James Whitfield, former Grapevine-Colleyville principal, sues district
Her students reported her for a lesson on race. Can she trust them again?
The Growing Attack on Educators
Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2024

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