A legislative committee has passed Governor Kristi Noem’s bill banning the teaching of Critical Race Theory in state universities and technical schools. Critical Race Theory is an academic concept that studies how racism is embedded in legal systems and policies.
House Bill 10-12 was heavily amended by the House Education Committee. However, the amended version still aligns with Governor Noem’s goal to ban the teaching of Critical Race Theory in state universities and technical colleges.
The bill prevents higher education institutions from directing or compelling students to affirm, adopt or adhere to “divisive concepts.” Divisive concepts include anything that makes someone feel discomfort or guilt because of their race or ethnicity. Also, anything that says individuals are responsible for past actions committed by members of their same race. The bill includes seven definitions of divisive concepts.
Stanley Kurtz is a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a conservative think tank in Washington D.C. He testified, remotely, in favor of the bill.
“Equal and free individuals should not be saddled with responsibility for past actions taken by others of their race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.”
Opponents of the measure say it will stifle honest and open discussion about racism in
American history. Candi Brings Plenty is with the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota.
“This bill is overly broad and opens the door to a wide variety of dangerous interpretations that would censor free speech and constrain educators’ ability to provide a robust and honest account of American history.”
The House Education Committee voted to pass the bill by a vote of 13 to 2. It now moves to the House floor.
Similar legislation for K-12 schools is pending a vote by the House Education Committee.