If you haven't heard yet, Florida just banned teaching critical race theory (CRT) in schools, and yes, it matters. Critical race theory has been around for decades and is a popular theory about racism. So, let's talk about it.
This article discusses the recent ban on CRT, what opponents of CRT are saying (including Governor DeSantis), and what CRT actually is.
The New Ban (Rule: 6A-1.094124)
Critical race theory (CRT) is a controversial topic among teachers and scholars alike. The Florida Department of Education has just banned teaching CRT in public schools. They did this through a revision of a rule in the state curriculum.
Rule 6A-1.094124 now mentions CRT directly.
Examples of theories that distort historical events and are inconsistent with State Board approved standards include the denial or minimization of the Holocaust, and the teaching of Critical Race Theory, meaning the theory that racism is not merely the product of prejudice, but that racism is embedded in American society and its legal systems in order to uphold the supremacy of white persons.
That's a lot, so let's break that down. Basically, the new rule is saying that distort historical events, which makes sense, right? But they are basing their ban on CRT on the argument that the education system needs to keep education factual and objective.
The way the rule is written, they are claiming that CRT is not factual or objective enough to be presented as a valid theory in the classroom.
Obviously, CRT is a controversial topic among not only educators, but also politicians and lawmakers.
What Opponents of CRT Think
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Governor DeSantis is a huge supporter of the new Department of Education rule. In a press conference, he was very open about not wanting CRT taught in schools, implying that it teaches students to hate the country.
“As the Governor of Florida, I love this state, and I love my country. I find it unthinkable that there are other people in positions of leadership in the federal government who believe that we should teach kids to hate our country. We will not stand for it here in Florida."
Another opponent of CRT, a Florida mom, was quick to speak her mind about being anti-CRT. She even went as far as to call the theory "anti-American."
Is CRT Actually Anti-American? What is CRT?
The recent debate has many people asking, "What is CRT anyway?" Is it actually anti-American?
A law professor at UCLA, Kimberlé Crenshaw, is an expert on CRT. She is actually a major advocate for it. According to her, CRT is not anti-American at all. In fact, it works to give us a better understanding of America, ourselves, and racism.
"It's an approach to grappling with a history of White supremacy that rejects the belief that what's in the past is in the past, and that the laws and systems that grow from that past are detached from it."
Do you think CRT should be banned in the Florida education system?
Obviously, CRT has the potential to cause many heated debates. Some people are adamantly for it, others are against it. The state is divided on this, but as it stands now, CRT is banned from the Florida education system.
Some people are asking, "If CRT is banned now, what will be banned next?"
Do you think CRT should be banned? Or do you think it should be allowed in public schools?