Saturday, May. 22, 2021
Are some states moving to limit teaching about concepts associated with ‘critical race theory’?
Critical race theory examines anti-Black racism through history, law and culture. Proponents argue that confronting topics such as slavery, Jim Crow laws and white supremacy promotes racial justice while opponents argue that it paints America as “inherently evil” and sows racial division.
CBS News counts “nearly a dozen states [that] want to ban critical race theory in schools.”
Earlier this month, Idaho became the first state to prohibit teachings of concepts allegedly promoted by CRT, including blaming individuals in the present for past acts of members of their race.
Last year, the Trump administration banned federal funding for workplace training programs incorporating CRT. Following a House committee report that many federal agencies, universities and companies had curtailed diversity and inclusion training, President Biden revoked the ban on his first day in office.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- Britannica Critical race theory
- CBS News Nearly a dozen states want to ban critical race theory in schools
- Idaho Legislature An act relating to dignity and nondiscrimination in public education
- Office of Management and Budget Training in the federal government
- House Committee on Oversight and Reform Open letter regarding Trump administration’s ban on anti-racism and diversity trainings
- White House Executive order on advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities through the federal government
- Edweek What is critical race theory and why is it under attack?
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