Listen "What Next: He Couldn’t Teach ‘Slavery Was Wrong.’ So He Quit."
Episode Synopsis
Iowa was one of the first states in the country to pass legislation against teaching that the United States is systemically racist — an idea some equate with “critical race theory.” But when one social studies teacher asked how he could teach U.S. history without running afoul of the new law, he didn’t get any clarity — or help.
What happens when legislation targets teachers? And as America’s teacher shortage grows — what will this mean for the country’s kids?
Guest: Greg Wickenkamp, former eighth grade social studies teacher in Fairfield, Iowa.
If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Amicus—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when legislation targets teachers? And as America’s teacher shortage grows — what will this mean for the country’s kids?
Guest: Greg Wickenkamp, former eighth grade social studies teacher in Fairfield, Iowa.
If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Amicus—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More episodes of the podcast Slate Race and Identity
What Next | Why So Many Racist Group Chats?
22/10/2025
ICYMI | The Streamer and the Shock Collar
22/10/2025
How To! | Gossip for Good
29/07/2025
How To! | Be an Ethical Hater
22/07/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.