President Biden Sways Books, Teachers & the Culture Battlefield
What the White House Had to Say
On a sunny April day, President Joe Biden took the stage at the White House for the 2022 National and State Teachers of the Year awards. He warned that book banning isn’t just a policy—it’s a culture war sports game where teachers are the unwitting players.
Why It Matters to Teachers
- Teachers put their hearts into every lesson, pushing kids to reach higher.
- With books being thrust out of libraries, students lose access to a broader view of the world.
- Biden called it a “targeting frenzy” that’s breaking the spirit of teaching.
The Numbers Behind the Bans
According to PEN America, over 1,000 titles—mostly about racism and LGBTQ topics—have been wiped from school shelves across the nation. That’s a lot more than just a few unpopular chapters.
President’s Message (Composed for Education Lovers)
Biden mused, “Teachers invest their whole lives into nurturing the next generation. It’s not fair to make them the opposition’s pawn in these conflict arenas.” He urged a cessation of using book bans as political tools.
Takeaway for the Classroom
Let’s keep classrooms open and respectful. After all, nobody likes a teacher turned into an accidental cautionary tale. Stay curious, stay inclusive, and keep those books—right where they belong.
<img alt="" data-caption="US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden applaud 2022 National Teacher of the Year Kurt Russell during the Council of Chief State School Officers' 2022 National and State Teachers of the Year event, in the East Room at the White House, in Washington, US, on April 27, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”9c13b10d-c18a-463b-8751-ded978d15ff8″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/28042022_biden_reuters%20%281%29.jpg”/>
President Biden Takes the Mic to Back U.S. Teachers
When the criticism from groups like Moms for Liberty swirled around how teachers tackle history—especially tough topics like race and slavery—Biden wasn’t shy about stepping in. He defended the educators, calling out politicians who are more about scoring points than teaching.
The Core of the Debate
- Teachers are faced with a new kind of political pressure: the threat of books being banned or burned.
- Instead of lightening the mood with a joke, Biden delivered a firm stance: “Do you ever think you’re teaching to dodge a political agenda?”
- He urged a return to the classroom, where learning should beat politics.
Word From the Commander-in-Chief
“There are too many politicians out there who just want to score points by trying to ban books,” Biden declared.
He asked educators, “Can you picture yourself teaching in a world where ‘book burning’ is the new idea of a marketing strategy?” He emphasized that this should not become a battlefield between policy and pedagogy.
Why It Matters
Teaching about race and slavery isn’t just about history—it’s about preparing students for a world where every story matters. Biden’s words echo a broader lesson: educators deserve support, not political retribution.
