Oklahoma becomes latest state to ban critical race theory in public schools

Another red state has just banned the so-called critical race theory from its classrooms.

According to The Hill, Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law Friday effectively banning educators in the state from teaching the critical race theory, or CRT, in public schools.

Breaking down the bill

The bill, H.B. 1775, has two main provisions — but it’s the second of the two that’s getting the most attention. That provision prevents schools from making the CRT, or its ideas and concepts, part of any course curriculum.

In particular, the measure bans schools from promoting the idea that “an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously,” and bars suggestions that “an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex.”

Schools also can’t spread the idea that “any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex,” the measures says.

H.B. 1775 also seeks to formally bar schools from peddling racism; under its provisions, schools can’t teach that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex.”

Governor makes it official

H.B. 1775 overwhelmingly passed both Oklahoma’s House and Senate back in April. It was sent to Stitt’s desk earlier this month, and he signed it into law just before the weekend.

Upon inking his signature, Stitt put out a statement explaining that while he seeks to “encourage honest and tough conversations” about America’s history, he feels Oklahoma’s schools “can and should teach this history without labeling a young child as an oppressor, or requiring he or she feel guilt or shame based on their race or sex.”

“Now more than ever we need policies that bring us together, not rip us apart,” the GOP governor said, according to The Hill.

“I firmly believe that not one cent of taxpayer money should be used to define and divide young Oklahomans about their race or sex,” he added.

Watch Stitt’s full video statement below:

My statement on HB 1775. pic.twitter.com/2EgMh7A7xZ

— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) May 7, 2021

The post Oklahoma becomes latest state to ban critical race theory in public schools first appeared on Conservative Institute.