Florida Lawmakers Tackle Critical Race Theory in Schools

US-EDUCATION-RACISM-POLITICS

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Governor Ron DeSantis’ push to prohibit critical race theory from being taught in schools or used in employee training sessions began moving forward in the Florida Senate today.

The Republican-controlled Senate Education Committee approved the bill, which seeks to cement into law a ban on critical race theory as part of Florida’s curriculum standards.

The State Board of Education passed such a ban during the summer.

The proposal would allow teachers to facilitate discussions about topics like sexism, slavery and racial oppression, and segregation.

However, bill sponsor Manny Diaz says classroom instruction and curriculum may not be used to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view.

“What we cannot do is hit the students with an automatic ‘just because you are from this group, you are automatically sexist, racist or anti-immigrant.”

Democrats warn that the legislation will stifle educators and lead to frivolous lawsuits.

State Senator Shevrin Jones feels the bill will suppress teachers’ freedom to teach certain subject areas.

“All this legislation is going to do is to promote ignorance of race-related content and other content that children should know about and should have access to.”

Democrats have repeatedly argued that the controversy over critical race theory is a distraction from real issues facing the state and that the theory is not taught in Florida public schools. 

Yet, opposing critical race theory has become a political rallying cry for Republicans across the country, with supporters saying the bill simply aims to ensure that topics like history are taught with accuracy.


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