Dear members of SHEAR,

Many of you have surely been following the “divisive concepts” bill in Florida, FL House Bill 999. Not only is this bill an explicit attack on academic freedom and faculty governance, it also specifically takes aim at history education, including mandates on how to teach the history of the early American Republic. The American Historical Association has put out a statement opposing the bill. Today the Advisory Council of SHEAR quickly and overwhelmingly voted to join tens of other scholarly societies in signing onto the AHA’s statement, which can be found here. We are committed to protesting these attacks on history teaching and on academic freedom. If there are other ways that SHEAR can support our colleagues who are under attack, please reach out.

In solidarity,

Serena