Political Bias in the Classroom: Do we Have a Problem?

Every person is entitled to their own opinion, especially when it comes to politics. For those who believe in democracy, the freedom to vote for and support the candidate of one’s choice is an unalienable right: this fact cannot be debated. However, because everyone is subject to their own opinion, disagreement and in many cases, conflict will result from differing judgements. The school environment should be a safe place where students are allowed and encouraged to speak and believe freely. The question is, are teachers allowed to do the same?

“I am not afraid to voice my opinion, especially in classes that demand it, like economics when we do election simulations,” said senior Nina Sepahi, who describes herself as a liberal. When asked about her teachers’ political self-disclosures, she continued, “At times, teachers announcing their political opinions is uncalled for—it can make students feel very uncomfortable in a way where they feel if they don’t agree with their teacher’s opinions they would be looked down on. However, if a student is making false claims about someone or their political background, it is acceptable for a teacher to step in and correct them.”

Most teachers are aware of the dangers that arise from wielding their political opinions too obviously in the classroom. “I try not to do it intentionally, but in past classes where I’ve been confident that all the students were in my same general ball park, I may have been a little too free with my opinions,” said Mrs. Barga. “In classes where I know I have students who have opposite views, I am much more cautious. There is so much open dialogue in my classes, especially in Lang & Lit, the topic [just] seems to emerge, especially among students who feel strongly about politics. I want to be sensitive to students who are the minority with their political views. I believe it’s important for other students, and me, to learn from these students why they have the opinions they do and create an environment where they are comfortable expressing their opinions.”

The role of the teacher is to educate and be a mentor academically and sometimes personally. Students rely on teachers to give them advice, not only about school, but about their lives. No matter how much you may like or dislike a teacher, they still influence how and what you learn daily. Teachers should remain impartial, especially when it comes to politics; however, certain classes require discussion about politics and in this type of environment, it can be difficult and inauthentic for teachers to withhold their views.

Other students understand that teachers owe their classes their impartiality. “Selfishly, I love when a teacher is a Democrat but just in general, I think that teachers really shouldn’t announce their political status, it’s usually irrelevant to what is being taught and can place a bias on the classroom,” said self-described liberal junior Maria Elena Little Endara. “Subconsciously, when teaching about politics, even word choice can influence and give away a teacher’s opinion, and students with strong [opposing] opinions might shut down and refuse to listen.”

“As a history teacher, I believe it’s important my students know my political standings and can factor in that bias during class discussions,” said liberal Mr. Parker, who has clearly thought long and hard about how to handle political disagreements in the classroom. “I’m all for students announcing their political opinions; the most important part of my job is encouraging students to voice their own opinions. I don’t have to agree with them, but I can help support and develop. I have friends all along the political spectrum—I may not agree with what they post or say, but I try to separate the person from the opinion. It’s important to consider that with students as well. I carefully monitor political debates between students in class so no one is offended, bullied, or picked on. My political bias undoubtedly influences how I teach: it’s impossible for it not too. Students sometimes worry that their grade will be affected if they don’t agree with what a teacher says; however, I would much rather a student stick up for themselves and say ‘No, I disagree with you and this is why,” rather than trying to make me happy by quoting myself back to me.”

Unfortunately, sometimes these restrictions on personal bias can be challenging to hold back in the classroom. All students should be free to speak about what they believe, even when it may not be the perfect time or place. It is the role of the teacher to listen and advise as neutrally as possible in these situations.

“I have no issue with teachers announcing their political standings in class as long as it’s pertaining to what we learn. For example in English or Economics, the topic comes up quite a lot,” said conservative senior Andrew Renfrow. “I definitely think teacher’s political bias influences the way they teach. Especially in classes like economics, we get to experience both sides of a view. Mr. Boulton, for example, likes to play the devil’s advocate and argue from the other side.”

Boulton, who defines his own views as liberal, elaborates: “In my area of economics, it’s very important that we do have debate, argument, and situations where students are free to argue with me. I encourage . . . when students argue the opposite views of me.” He continues, “Even though I have a liberal view and put that out there, I can definitely put myself on the other side. As a teacher, you shouldn’t be afraid of taking a stand, but the worst possible situation, is having all your students in agreement with you. Sometimes I may completely change my personal opinions, if I don’t see enough confrontation.”

There is nothing wrong with a teacher expressing their personal beliefs, but this is dependent on the situation, and how it comes across to the student. If a student and a teacher have differing opinions on politics, arguments could erupt that would lead to negative feelings, sometimes going both ways. Students should be able to rely on and trust their teachers, but if the teacher’s opinion is known and opposite to a student’s, said feelings may corrupt a student’s view on their teacher, which could make learning more of a challenge than it needs to be.

“I refer to my political standings in class, but I always make a point of saying it’s my own opinion and I don’t expect students to agree with me and [they should] be free to their own opinions,” said psychology teacher Mr. Owen. “As long as students are willing to listen to other points of view and be respectful and not be aggressive, I am okay with in-class political discussions. When it comes to bias, you often don’t know you have one. In that sense, I have a bias in favor of equality, I have a bias in favor of compassion, and I have not been afraid to argue with students who have different views on said bias, like prejudice or hostility.”

As with many potential areas for disagreement in the classroom, it seems that teachers’ responsibilities include sensitive consideration of their students’ personal beliefs—and that may require them to suppress their own from time to time. Fortunately, most students and teachers at AISG seem to feel that discourse in our classrooms is usually respectful and open.

Politics in the classroom—are things as rosy as these interviewees believe? Share your own thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below.