South Carolina’s Education Partnership with PragerU Sparks Controversy and Concern

COLUMBIA — Partnerships and Education: A New Collaboration Raises Eyebrows

In the heart of South Carolina, a recent announcement about a partnership between the state’s Department of Education and a conservative media organization has stirred up quite the buzz. On a breezy Friday, September 23, 2024, educators and at least one outspoken legislator gathered outside the Statehouse to express their concerns and opposition to this unexpected move.

So, what’s the scoop? The South Carolina Department of Education has teamed up with PragerU, a conservative nonprofit founded in California in 2009 by conservative talk show host Dennis Prager and screenwriter Allen Estrin. This collaboration is set to provide a series of online videos intended for public K-12 classrooms across the state. However, these materials have not been vetted through the usual textbook approval process, raising eyebrows among educators and parents alike.

What Does This Partnership Mean?

Last Monday, PragerU released a 21-minute video where state Superintendent Ellen Weaver endorsed a list of supplementary online lessons that PragerU offers. The message highlighted how these lessons align with the education standards that South Carolina students are expected to learn at their respective grade levels. Still, it’s essential to note that teachers aren’t obligated to utilize these resources; they are optional.

With South Carolina becoming the eighth state to partner with PragerU—joining the ranks of places like Florida and New Hampshire—the decision has elicited strong reactions. Many worry about the implications of using materials from an organization often accused of pushing a conservative agenda.

Voices of Concern

During the press conference, Representative Jermaine Johnson from Columbia didn’t hold back his thoughts. Facing reporters and supporters, he criticized the Department of Education, particularly Superintendent Weaver, for what he perceives as an attempt to introduce conservative ideology into classrooms. “Do not indoctrinate our children,” Johnson stated emphatically, underscoring the urgency of his message. “I’m saying today. I’m demanding today: Stop indoctrinating our children.” His statements echoed a common sentiment among many in the community who feel educational content should be carefully vetted.

A Response from the Education Department

In response to Johnson and the various educators voicing their concerns, a spokesman for the Department of Education clarified the intentions behind the partnership. The spokesperson mentioned that PragerU approached the agency with an offer to provide optional, supplemental materials at no cost to the state. They emphasized that the goal of this collaboration is to create a “level playing field” for districts that may not have the resources to access diverse educational materials.

Taxpayer Concerns

However, critics are not entirely swayed by this explanation. Johnson pointed out that any partnership involving public agencies ultimately costs taxpayers money, as staff salaries are involved in managing these programs. “I do not approve of my tax dollars going to the whitewashing of history,” he remarked, highlighting concerns about how history and civic lessons are presented in classrooms.

Looking Ahead

The discussion surrounding this partnership reflects broader conversations happening across the country regarding educational content and ideological influence. As the education system continues to navigate these partnerships, the outcomes will undoubtedly affect teachers, students, and parents alike in South Carolina.

As educators and legislators continue to speak out, this story will surely develop as the Department of Education works to finalize a list of lessons that will soon be made available to teachers through their existing curriculum portal. For now, one thing is clear: the conversation surrounding education and its influences is far from over.