One of the most controversial topics being argued across the political aisle today involves state law makers and politicians who have combined efforts to ensure that African American history courses stay out of the classroom. Across the nation, historians, educators, parents, and others are protesting that Black history deserves to be taught and not just relegated to one month of the year. University of Buffalo professor LaGarret King is the director for the Center for K-12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education. He believes that teaching Black history is important because it allows children to see humanity in each other.
At last count, 44 states have started debating whether to introduce bills that would limit what schools can teach about race, American history, gender identity and sexual orientation. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is the thing that intimidates them so. The concept explores the idea that racism isn’t just the byproduct of bias, hate and discrimination but also embedded in the legal, political, and sociological framework of this country. As a result, Advance Placement Black History courses are being water downed to accommodate this perpetual insecurity that the truth may be exposed to those who don’t already know it or simply cannot handle it.
CRT state-by-state: To ban or not to ban?
Here’s a look at how policymakers are handling critical race theory in schools.
States that have banned or restricted teaching of critical race theory (as of June 29):
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Idaho
- Iowa
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
Where new bills or state education policies would restrict teaching about racism:
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
States where critical race theory bans have failed:
- Arizona
- Mississippi
States that have reaffirmed teaching Black history and anti-racism:
- Delaware