SD House lawmakers limit 'critical race theory' bills' reach

Source: Associated Press

SD House lawmakers limit ‘critical race theory’ bills’ reach

By STEPHEN GROVES
February 9, 2022

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota House lawmakers on Wednesday reigned in proposals from Gov. Kristi Noem aimed at barring so-called “divisive” concepts about race, religion and national origin from elementary, high school and university classrooms, but still recommended that the state government restrict what is taught in schools.

The Republican governor has touted the proposals as a way to “protect” students from critical race theory — the lighting rod concept that has become a political rallying cry on the right.

She said last week that a pair of bills, which would apply separately to universities and K-12 public schools, would ensure “our students are not taught that they are responsible for (the) different actions of our ancestors.”

But Republican lawmakers, who control the House Education committee, made significant revisions to the bills Wednesday before giving it their recommendation. They stipulated that the proposed laws don’t apply to what is taught in university courses and can’t keep K-12 teachers from discussing so-called “divisive topics” as part of broader discussions, so long as they do it in an “objective manner.”

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/business-kristi-noem-south-dakota-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-7efcf4a1631d99134e2808c5aea795e2