Lawmaker attempts to strengthen Oklahoma's critical race theory ban
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — An Oklahoma lawmaker is attempting to strengthen the state’s controversial critical race theory ban.
Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland proposedHouse Bill 2988, which would further restrict how race can be covered in the classroom.
Olsen argues historical events can still be taught and claims this new legislation would only help facilitate that in a better way.
However, some teachers say all it would really do is prevent them from teaching the truth.
"There are people that want to teach America has simply been an evil country. And that's not historically accurate," said Olsen.
Olsen is looking to level up the current ban by also restricting the 1619 Project, a curriculum that examines the experiences of black Americans before and after slavery.
"Actual history can be taught. We had discrimination in our nation. We had segregation, which was another evil. We have slavery, it's perfectly fine to teach all of those, but there are limits to how you can teach it," he said.
More specifically, the law would limit educators from teaching the following:
- Any teaching that America has more culpability, in general, than other nations for the institution of slavery.
- That one race is the unique oppressor in the institution of slavery.
- That another race is the unique victim in the institution of slavery.
- That America, in general, had slavery more extensively and for a later period of time than other nations.
- The primary and overarching purpose for the founding of America was the initiation and perpetuation of slavery.
"The reality is that every race has been guilty of being slave owners and every race has been the victim at one time or another," said Olsen.
"It should be up to historians and educators to set the curriculum, not politicians," said Emily Clark, an Oklahoma teacher.
Clark argues this would only further discourage teachers from covering race-related topics.
To help those now struggling to navigate these difficult discussions in the classroom, the National Educators Association (NEA) recently released a “Know Your Rights” document. In which, NEA President, Becky Pringle called the new regulations on race a, “dangerous attempt to stoke fears and rewrite history.”
"The more of these types of laws are going to be pushed through, the less open dialogue we'll be able to have with our students and I think we all agree we want to push forward and become a less racist society," said Clark.
"We want our young people to understand history, but in a balanced and contextual way. If you teach in an unbalanced way, the end result is that they grow up hating America," said Olsen.
The legislation also states schools who fail to obey the new policy could have up to 10% of their monthly state funding withheld.
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