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What should children learn in school? It’s a question that’s stirred debate for decades, and in 1974 it led to violent protests in West Virginia. People planted bombs in schools, shot at buses, and shut down coal mines. This week on Inside Appalachia, we feature Charleston native Trey Kay, the host of Us and Them.
In 1974, Kanawha County was one of the first battlegrounds in the American culture wars. Controversy erupted over newly-adopted school textbooks. School buildings were hit by dynamite and Molotov cocktails, buses were riddled with bullets, journalists were beaten and surrounding coal mines were shut down by protesting miners.
Textbook opponents believed the books were teaching their children to question their authority, traditional values and the existence of God.
Textbook supporters said children needed to be exposed to a wide variety of beliefs and experiences, and taught to make their own decisions.
This version of The Great Textbook War was originally produced by American Radio Works. This documentary was funded by the West Virginia Humanities Council. It was honored with George Foster Peabody, Edward R. Murrow and DuPont/Columbia awards.
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We’d love to hear from you. Send us a tweet to @InAppalachia. You can also talk with our host, Jessica Lilly, at JessicaYLilly, and our producer, Roxy Todd, at RoxyMTodd. You can also send us an email at: feedback@wvpublic.org.
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At least one primary election race is headed for a recount. Also, an independent audit finds a critical deficit that could affect struggling families. And, the termination of a federal grant program for first time farmers is leaving some growers – and communities – in a bind.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsThis week, Hurricane Helene devastated central Appalachia and disrupted the lives of people in recovery. Also, in West Virginia, fur trapping continues, even in the 21st century. And, baseball is America’s past-time. One league is making the game more inclusive.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsIt’s been a year-and-a-half since Hurricane Helene ravaged central Appalachia. Communities are still recovering, including those who were already in recovery for addiction.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsA small federal grant program aimed at increasing first-time farmer’s access to land, training and tools was finding fertile ground in West Virginia. But in March, the Trump administration suddenly terminated it, leaving local partners uncertain about their futures.
Continue Reading Take Me to More News
