POTSDAM — As part of a nationwide pushback against increasing efforts to censor classroom content, Potsdam will host a public display on Saturday, June 21, at the Juneteenth Celebration in Ives Park.

 The event is part of the fifth annual Teach Truth Month of Action, a national campaign organized by the Zinn Education Project, in partnership with the National Education Association and more than 80 organizations.

Running from 3 to 8 p.m., the display will feature a visual exhibit of banned books and educational materials, along with free bookmarks, buttons, and posters. The event aims to raise awareness about the growing number of legislative efforts that seek to censor what can be taught in K-12 classrooms, particularly issues of race, climate change, and LGBTQI rights.

Locally, the initiative is sponsored by members of the First Presbyterian Church of Potsdam, who are helping to bring the Zinn Education Project’s message to the North Country. Although the national day of action was held June 7, Potsdam’s event will coincide with Juneteenth celebrations to connect historical reflection with current struggles for educational freedom.

Organizers emphasize that the Teach Truth campaign is not only about opposing censorship but also about affirming the rights of educators and students. “We believe students deserve a full, honest education that includes all parts of history,” said Susan Dillon, local contact for the event. “Truthful education is the foundation of democracy and critical thinking.”

Since 2021, more than 800 bills have been introduced across the U.S. that attempt to limit classroom discussions of race, gender, and history. Supporters of the Teach Truth campaign argue that these efforts threaten the integrity of public education and silence marginalized voices.

For more information about the national Teach Truth campaign, visit the Zinn Education Project’s website. For local inquiries, contact Susan Dillon at dillonamazon@gmail.com.