Imagine growing up in school and never learning who Anne Frank is — a young girl whose diary has taught generations about resilience, humanity, and the horrors of the Holocaust. In states like Florida and Texas, the Diary of Anne Frank and other materials have been removed or restricted in public school curricula, leaving students without critical context on history, civil rights, and empathy. This is just one example of how politics is reshaping what students are allowed, or are not allowed, to learn.
What’s driving these changes?
Changes started being made to the Florida educational system in 2022 when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation restricting public school instruction on a variety of topics, including race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Since then, the Florida Department of Education has worked to implement and enforce these laws despite local and national backlash. It’s important to note that education restrictions are not limited to Florida — they’re occurring nationwide.
Lately, the most prominent limitation on education has come in the form of book bans. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the U.S. saw 6,870 instances of books being removed from school libraries across 23 states and 87 public school districts. The vast majority occurred in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Books are most often banned for sexual content, offensive language, or religious views, but many high-profile titles have been removed for LGBTQIA+ content or depictions of racism. While some book bans are justified to shield children from violent or explicit material, they also restrict access to information and limit the diversity of thought and perspectives students encounter. These bans are driven by pressure from school districts, state legislation, and, most of all, political groups, resulting in a surge of restrictions across the country.
changes in the classroom
Recently, the core requirements for what is taught at public educational institutions have shifted to focus more on civics courses centered on Western civilization, while leaning away from or outright banning classes on race or gender. Coincidentally, the political landscape has also grown increasingly divided in recent years, and this polarization has had a significant impact on education.
The two parties have clashed over the allocation of funding for public schools. Earlier this year, the Trump administration withheld nearly $6.9 billion in federal K-12 education funds from states, resulting in significant disruptions for school districts as they attempted to make budget decisions. The funding was later released toward the end of July — rather than the typical July 1 start of the fiscal year — but the delay demonstrated just how vital the government’s role is in financing education.
As mentioned, the curriculum has been the most contentious factor under debate, apart from book bans. Disputes over teaching comprehensive sex education, multiculturalism, or controversial historical events — such as slavery or the Holocaust — have stemmed from sharply contrasting political viewpoints. As a result of increased political oversight, teachers have had to self-censor and proceed with extra caution when addressing topics such as fascism, racism, or antisemitism. School board meetings have also become flashpoints in the culture war, with tensions that directly affect the classroom.
Why it matters
Political interference in education creates serious consequences. Placing censorship on classrooms transforms them into political battlegrounds where fear replaces inquiry and debate, limiting critical thinking and undermining the core purpose of education. Difficult conversations are meant to foster growth; instead, students often worry about retaliation, judgment, or potential consequences for expressing their perspectives. When students cannot develop vital critical-thinking skills or practice navigating complex conversations, many feel unprepared for college — or, perhaps more importantly, unequipped to engage with the diverse perspectives essential in a democratic society.
What can be done?
Despite increasing political pressures, there are still ways to protect and promote education. For instance, engaging in open-minded discussion and civic participation in your community provides a platform to express your thoughts and opinions without fear of speaking out of turn or facing criticism. Additionally, supporting teachers’ professional freedom and academic integrity, while staying informed on curriculum policies and advocating locally — through petitions or other community initiatives — can make a meaningful impact.
As we have seen, classrooms are increasingly shaped by politics, from book bans to curriculum changes on climate, civil rights, and gender. These pressures can limit critical thinking and leave students unprepared for college and civic life. Staying informed, supporting teachers, and engaging in local discussions and advocacy can help ensure education remains a space for learning, questioning, and encountering diverse perspectives.