On Friday, the governor of Oklahoma has signed a bill into law banning the teaching of critical race theory in public schools.
The bill bans public schools and universities from teaching that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another,” and that “an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the legislation, House Bill 1775, but the new bill is already being met with some pushback.
Members of the Oklahoma City Board of Education unanimously voted to condemn the law.
Board member Ruth Veales, who is Black and Native American, said the law aims to mute dialogues on race “in order to protect white fragility.”
“As a district that’s over 80% students of color, this is definitely an insult,” Veales said per The Oklahoman. “It is a situation that is so egregious to me.”
Critical race theory acknowledges that systemic racism is part of American society. It asserts that racism is a daily experience for most people of color and white elites benefit from it.
“We can and should teach this history without labeling a young child as an oppressor or requiring he or she to feel guilt or shame based on their race or sex,” the governor said in a video shared to social media. “I refuse to tolerate otherwise.”
The bill also bars educators from teaching students that “any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex,” or that “meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist or were created by members of a particular race to oppress members of another race.”
Dr. Greg Carr tackled critical race theory during Saturday’s edition of ” In Class With Carr.”
