Mary Wood, an English teacher in Chapin, South Carolina, is facing backlash and reprimand from her school for teaching a book by Ta-Nehisi Coates that addresses issues of race and racism in America. Wood assigned her all-White class readings from Coates’s book “Between the World and Me,” which explores what it means to be Black in America. However, two of her students reported her to the school board, stating that the material made them feel ashamed to be White, violating a proviso that forbids teachers from causing psychological distress based on race.
After the complaints and subsequent reprimand, Wood felt defeated and betrayed. The situation became public and divided the town of Chapin, with debates about whether Wood should be fired. Conservative outlets criticized her for “race-shaming against White people,” while left-leaning media portrayed her as a martyr to “cancel culture.” Wood’s case drew national attention and highlighted the ongoing debates around teaching race, racism, and history in schools.
South Carolina is one of 18 states that have implemented restrictions on education related to race since 2021. These restrictions have sparked controversy and led to the dismissal of numerous educators across the country. Wood’s experience has left her feeling anxious about returning to school. She believes that trust is fundamental in the classroom, but after the incident, she worries that even the most innocent comments or assignments could be resisted and reported by her students.
Wood grew up in Chapin and attended the same high school where she now teaches. She had previously taught Coates’s book without any issues, and her supervisor had approved the curriculum. Wood’s father, a former teacher and principal at Chapin, supported her pursuit of outside reading and encouraged her to explore different perspectives. However, Wood’s liberal views and teaching methods have made her a lightning rod in the conservative community.
As she prepares to return to school, Wood is grappling with the challenge of maintaining authenticity in her teaching while also navigating the political climate. She believes that teaching writers like Coates is essential in order to provide diverse perspectives to her students. However, she fears that her students may not trust her after the controversy.
Despite her concerns, Wood is determined to continue teaching authentically and providing her students with a well-rounded education. She understands the importance of addressing issues of race and racism in the classroom, even if it is met with resistance. As she leaves her home to face her students, Wood hopes that her bond with them can withstand the challenges posed by South Carolina’s politics.
Original Story at www.washingtonpost.com – 2023-09-18 11:00:29
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