A new Heritage Foundation report scrutinizes Pearson, the world's leading educational content provider, for its commitment to integrating anti-racism into its materials. The report, titled "World’s Largest Education-Content Publisher Promotes Radical Political Agenda in U.S. Schools and Government," contends that Pearson's policy guidance effectively pledges to incorporate critical race theory (CRT) into its educational resources, including K-12 textbooks. Pearson denies these claims.
Jonathan Butcher, the report's author and a senior research fellow at Heritage, argues that Pearson's language mirrors the "woke orthodoxy" and promotes a narrative of systemic racism in America. He points to Pearson's 2021 editorial guidance, which emphasizes "embedding anti-racism, social equity, and environmental sustainability in teaching and learning," as evidence of this commitment. Although the original link to this document is now inactive, archived versions and subsequent documents with similar language exist.
Pearson's spokesperson, Joe Wiggins, insists that CRT is not present in their K-12 public school materials or government contract resources. However, Butcher questions how Pearson can uphold its commitment to anti-racism without incorporating CRT, given its pervasive use in anti-racism literature. He points out that Pearson hasn't explicitly excluded K-12 content from this commitment.
The Heritage report underscores Pearson's significant reach, noting its dominance in college textbook publishing, government contracts, and ownership of the largest virtual charter school network in the US. With over 160 million users of its products, Pearson's influence on education is undeniable.
Butcher further highlights Pearson's pledge to "practice principles of social equity" and "create products and services that impact learners’ engagement in social justice." He argues that Pearson's emphasis on intersectionality aligns its editorial direction with core CRT concepts. He cites a now-private Pearson YouTube video in which a former director discusses systemic racism as evidence of this alignment.
The report also raises concerns about Pearson's materials on gender identity, alleging they promote gender ideology over biological sex and cite potentially controversial research. The Heritage Foundation recommends that Congress and state lawmakers investigate Pearson's content, particularly its materials for the federal workforce and K-12 education, to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws and address concerns about CRT and gender ideology.
Butcher's ultimate concern is the use of taxpayer funds to support these materials. He believes that while Pearson has the right to create such content, taxpayers shouldn't bear the financial burden.
