Are you a high school English teacher who has had knowledge suppressed in your classroom (i.e., through your curriculum and/or instruction) because an actor or actors inside or outside of your school found a way of thinking politically suitable or unsuitable for students? Or in your role as a high school English teacher, have you suppressed knowledge in your classroom because you found a way of thinking politically suitable or unsuitable for students? Do you think it is possible that something akin to these scenarios has taken place in your classroom, but you’re just not sure, and/or can’t “put your finger on it”?

If you have an experience that resonates with these questions, I would greatly appreciate your participation in my dissertation research. I am inquiring into how, and to what extent, political censorship takes place in the high school English classrooms in which it appears to exist. By participating in this work with me as your thought partner, you will provide us both with the opportunity to unfurl and make some sense of your experience in a non-judgmental context. On a grander scale, your participation in this work will help shed light on the dynamics of political censorship in the high school English classroom today. Of course, your contributions will be kept anonymous.

If you would like to participate in this inquiry, please begin by following the below link and filling out the Pre-Study Form. Afterward, I will reach out to you about participating in interviews (two semi-structured interviews, each up to an hour long via the medium of your choice). Many thanks for your interest in this inquiry.

If you have any questions about the form or the study, please do not hesitate to contact me, David Baksh, at dhb2131@tc.columbia.edu. 

TC IRB Approved Protocol Number: 24-310