The Threats to Education: PragerU’s Impact on Schools and Society

The education landscape in America has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, many of which are fueled by ideological battles and political polarization. One prominent source of concern is the influence of PragerU in the school curriculum. In September, a few weeks after Oklahoma schools started, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced that Oklahoma’s State Department of Education would partner with PragerU to “help ensure high quality materials rich in American history and values will be available to our teachers and students.”

PragerU’s curriculum is established by radio talk show host Dennis Prager. It is not a university. PragerU’s curriculum presents videos, lesson plans and worksheets for elementary and high school students. However, it has faced widespread criticism for promoting misinformation, rewriting history, and perpetuating stereotypes and prejudice.

Oklahoma State Representative Monroe Nichols has been an outspoken critic of PragerU’s curriculum. He shared some of his concerns in the following areas:

The PragerU Curriculum: A Cause for Concern

PragerU’s distortion includes minimizing the horrors of slavery, suggesting that it was a type of workforce program. This oversimplification of historical events and erasure of the suffering endured by countless enslaved individuals is deeply troubling. It diminishes the significance of acknowledging the painful and dark chapters of the past, thus hindering our students’ ability to learn from history.

One of the significant points of contention revolves around the historical accuracy of PragerU’s curriculum. Critics have highlighted instances where the curriculum deviates from established historical facts. For example, a video featuring Frederick Douglass, a prominent African American abolitionist, is said to have put words in his mouth that he never said. Additionally, the curriculum inaccurately claims that the United States was the first country to abolish slavery, a statement contradicted by historical records, which states that it was France who abolished slavery first. Furthermore, PragerU attributes a statement to Frederick Douglass suggesting that the U.S. economy was more important than promptly ending slavery, a claim that does not align with Douglass’s known perspectives.

The Danger of Misrepresentation

PragerU’s curriculum makes a case that slavery was widespread and implies that being taken as a slave was preferable to being killed. Representative Nichols commented, “I don’t know why people draw the connection between the two, between being killed and slavery. The fact is, to be enslaved largely meant the slow ride to death.” He continued, “I don’t know why we ever have to draw some equivalency between horrible things that could happen to you and say which one’s better or worse.”

Gender Stereotypes: Reinforcing Traditional Roles

PragerU’s curriculum extends beyond historical content and also delves into gender roles. Notably, its “How to Embrace Your Masculinity” and “How to Embrace Your Femininity” videos have raised concerns. The video on masculinity emphasizes financial independence, courage and using strength for good. Conversely, the video on femininity portrays women as bearers of beauty and encourages them to “embrace their artistic side” and create joyful, pleasing environments.

Critics argue that this curriculum perpetuates outdated gender stereotypes, reinforcing traditional roles. The video’s portrayal of femininity has been criticized for emphasizing beauty and aesthetics rather than promoting women’s diverse capabilities and aspirations.

Representative Nichols said he was raised by a single mom, a go-getter who earned her master’s degree. He learned to cook at an early age because his mom worked a lot. He said that if his mom had grown up with PragerU’s values instilled in her, “thinking that’s the only way you can operate, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.” He continued, “In some ways, I learned what it was to be a man and responsible from my mother because I watched her do it every day. I think the danger is not only to take 60 years in reverse, but it also is dangerous for kids like me who only have their mother. You’re essentially cutting us off at our knees.”

PragerU and House Bill 1775

The goals of PragerU both align with and conflict with House Bill 1775, a piece of legislation that has further complicated the education landscape in Oklahoma. HB 1775 has raised concerns about teachers’ ability to deliver well-rounded education by instilling fear and restrictions.

Representative Nichols said, “I think there could be a strong argument that PragerU could violate HB1775. Beyond that, I think about young Black kids sitting in classrooms learning about history and how uncomfortable we might feel all the time in certain places. And that’s been part of our experience just being Black. I’m sure Native students, when they’re learning about Native American history, feel the same way, but that’s part of it, right? Part of it is understanding that there are some pretty dark moments in history that none of us should feel good about. But it’s why we raise new generations of leaders to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

The Concerning Partnership: PragerU and the State Superintendent

The partnership between PragerU and the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Education Ryan Walters is a contentious issue. In the face of PragerU’s controversial curriculum, this partnership has raised concerns about the quality of education students in Oklahoma will receive. While all school districts within Tulsa County have opted out of using PragerU materials, the concern remains that teachers may still face restrictions and challenges in providing a well-rounded education, as exemplified by HB1775.

HB1775 and PragerU reinforce each other, creating an environment that stifles educators’ freedom to engage in open and meaningful discussions about history. As Representative Nichols suggests, the fear instilled in teachers by combining PragerU’s curriculum and HB1775 can be detrimental to educators and students.

The Impact on the Community

The partnership between PragerU and Oklahoma’s education system raises numerous concerns regarding the quality of education and the well-being of students, teachers and the community. While education should foster critical thinking and provide an accurate understanding of history, these developments threaten to distort the past, stifle educators’ ability to teach effectively, and create a climate of fear and hostility.

Take Action: How You Can Make a Difference in Education

Readers can take several proactive steps to address the challenges posed by PragerU’s curriculum and the broader issues surrounding education. First, engage in conversations with friends and family members, even when these topics might be considered taboo. We can create a more informed and empathetic society by pushing the boundaries of these conversations.

Second, reach out to local leaders and policymakers, expressing concerns about curriculum choices and their impact on education. This proactive engagement can bring about meaningful change at the community and state levels.

Last, dedicate time to self-education by watching documentaries and reading about the historical experiences of marginalized communities. Understanding history’s harsh realities in today’s context is a critical step in combating ignorance and fostering empathy. By gaining knowledge and engaging in open dialogues, readers can play a vital role in shaping a more informed and equitable education system.

Representative Nichols’ Approach to Addressing PragerU Curriculum

Representative Nichols says he supports the school districts that have already opted out of the PragerU curriculum. He takes pride in these districts’ decisions to reject the curriculum and sees the importance of defending educators, administrators and students in the state and in his community.

To contact legislators, go to oklegislature.gov

Dr. Tamecca Rogers is Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Tulsa Technology Center. She is a writer and mom to three boys who love adventures.