Should Controversial Topics Be Discussed in the Classroom?

By Maureen Waldner on Feb 27

Controversy is an integral part of our lives, and with the line becoming more and more blurred as to what is appropriate to discuss with students, controversy is inevitably making its way into classroom discussions. This has left educators, parents and students alike wondering how to incorporate controversy into our school environment in a way that fosters healthy discussions and debates. In this day and age, when our nation is starkly divided and intolerance is an unfortunate reality in many people’s lives, now is precisely the time to teach students how to deal with controversial subjects and how to cope with a plurality of ideas and identities.

Discussing contentious topics in the classroom is difficult, but there is plenty of evidence indicating that kickstarting discussions about sensitive social issues is hugely beneficial to both students and their communities. The Atlantic writes, “Years of keeping controversy out of our classrooms has created a society that doesn't know how to deal with diversity.” When we avoid talking about current events and prevent students from delving into the controversy, we rob students of opportunities to see the connection between themselves and the world they live in. These things affect us all, whether we are in school or out. As soon as kids address the complications in our society, it automatically makes them more empathetic and understanding people. It makes them more open-minded to diverse ideas and people.

Involving student opinion into classroom discussions allows for students to develop an understanding of the respectful way to conduct a debate or talk about a sensitive topic. Every day, we encounter people with different ideas than us, and it’s essential to prepare students for these real-life events. Also, the ability to research, formulate an opinion on, and effectively debate an issue is a valuable skill that will develop through critical and argumentative discussions. One teacher, Dave Stuart Jr., describes it as something that comes with the job that along with history comes an analysis of oppression and inequity, and along with English come stories like To Kill a Mockingbird or Adventures of Huckleberry Finn which directly address racism. He states, “Teaching the controversies, to me, isn’t an optional teacher thrill; it’s not the sky-diving of teaching. Rather, its a central part of the educator’s work in maintaining a democratic society.”

Of course, there is an appropriate way to introduce these topics into the classroom. Approaching the conversation differently for kids of different ages is a priority; a kindergartener should not be learning about these topics the same way a high schooler should be. Young children shouldn’t be taught about the severity of these topics or situations, but they need to be educated about respect and safety, and this knowledge should expand as they age, and new ideas and opinions will formulate over time. Teaching students to be respectful of each other's opinions even if they don’t agree is also vital.

It’s often uncomfortable to talk about contentious or sensitive topics in the classroom. However, sheltering kids from these topics is only disconnecting them from the world around them. Students need to know about how the world works because they are the ones who will be leading it.