Education Controversy Erupts in Columbia Over PragerU Partnership

COLUMBIA: Education Controversy Over PragerU Partnership

The sun may be shining brightly on COLUMBIA today with highs reaching a sizzling 92°F, but things are heating up in the state’s education sector, too! On the steps of the Statehouse this past Friday, a gathering of educators and Democratic Representative Jermaine Johnson brought serious concerns to light regarding a recent partnership between the South Carolina Department of Education and the conservative media organization, PragerU.

What’s the Partnership About?

This partnership has made its way into the spotlight after state Superintendent Ellen Weaver publicly endorsed a set of videos produced by PragerU, which aims to provide educational resources for K-12 classrooms. In a 21-minute video launched by PragerU on Monday, Weaver highlighted how the organization’s lessons align with South Carolina’s education standards. A detailed 67-page document was also made available, linking the PragerU content directly with what students are expected to learn at every grade level.

However, here’s the kicker: the use of these resources is strictly optional for teachers. This makes South Carolina the eighth state to collaborate with PragerU, which premiered in California back in 2009 under the guidance of conservative commentator Dennis Prager and screenwriter Allen Estrin. Other states that have jumped on this bandwagon include Florida, Louisiana, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma—most of which have GOP leadership.

Voices of Dissent

Gathering outside the Statehouse, Representative Johnson didn’t hold back his feelings, stating, “Do not indoctrinate our children. I’m saying today. I’m demanding today: Stop indoctrinating our children.” He voiced fears that the partnership serves a conservative agenda more than an educational purpose and insisted that taxpayer dollars should not go towards what he terms the “whitewashing of history.”

State Education’s Response

In response to the mounting criticism, a spokesperson for the Department of Education stepped in to clarify the rationale behind the partnership. According to spokesman Jason Raven, PragerU approached the department with an offer to supply supplemental educational materials at no cost. The initiative aims to provide a “level playing field” for districts that may lack the resources to access high-quality materials.

Raven emphasized that the partnership is designed to enhance civics education by offering a broad array of resources that align with education standards, stating, “We’re still finalizing a list of lessons that will be available on our website and through the existing curriculum portal for teachers.” While the intention may be to provide diverse learning tools, questions loom over whether this aligns with the actual needs and values of South Carolina educators and students.

Concerns Over Cost

Still, Johnson isn’t convinced that this partnership won’t end up costing taxpayers in some capacity. He challenged the notion that offering free resources doesn’t tie back to financial implications, arguing that any collaboration with a public agency has a cost due to staff salaries. He firmly believes tax dollars should reflect a clear commitment to an accurate portrayal of history and educational integrity rather than ideological narratives.

Looking Ahead

As temperatures soar and discussions heat up, it’s clear that the implications of this partnership could have long-term effects on South Carolina education. With passionate voices on both sides of the debate, this is surely a story we will need to keep following. For now, educators, parents, and community members will be watching closely to see how this partnership unfolds and what it means for the future of learning in COLUMBIA.