Virginia NAACP Affirms the Importance of Teaching African American History and Antiracist Education in Virginia’s Public Schools

RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia State Conference NAACP affirmed its full support for the adoption of Virginia’s African American History and Social Science Curriculum implementing recommendations from Governor Ralph Northam’s Commission on African American History Education in the Commonwealth. 

Virginia NAACP leaders also applauded public school educators who are teaching history in its entirety, including the experiences of Black people in Virginia, and our nation. 

Virginia NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr., said:

“Virginia students must learn about the complex and often untold history of Black Americans in Virginia, and our nation. The Virginia NAACP expects that all public school districts across the state will follow the History and Social Studies Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework Revision, as approved by the Board of Education.”

Virginia NAACP Education Chair Dr. Amy Tillerson-Brown said:

“We expect that in complying with the state’s SOL curriculum, that superintendents and school administrators will stand behind and support their teachers who are teaching from this curriculum, about Black experiences, or from an anti-racist framework, and do everything in their power to protect teachers from all forms of harassment, retaliation, or retribution from administrators, peers, parents, school board members, or members of the public.”