Are critical race theory bans limiting how Black History Month can be taught?
State laws banning critical race theory in schools are limiting how topics related to Black History Month can be taught.
The laws, which are often broadly written to prohibit "divisive concepts" related to race, have helped certain school districts justify banning books with racial themes. A representative of the American Library Association told CBS News there is a coordinated effort to challenge books that deal with racism or Black American history.
Teachers could incur fines or be fired for violating the laws. A group of Wisconsin teachers was suspended earlier this month over a Black History Month lesson that slaves were executed for disrespecting their master in ancient Mesopotamia.
Critical race theory examines how racism is codified in American law and is typically taught at the college level. CRT bans have been introduced in 37 states and are currently law in 14.