Another state has banned critical race theory. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed legislation this week banning the theory from being taught and promoted in government agencies, schools or state-funded universities.
Critical race theory itself is increasingly being seen as racist itself as it makes broad assumptions about the views and actions of whites in their interactions with other races.
“Critical race theory is about labels and stereotypes, not education,” she said. “It teaches kids that we should judge others based on race, gender or sexual identity, rather than the content of someone’s character. I am proud to have worked with the legislature to promote learning, not discriminatory indoctrination.”
The new law does not specifically mention critical race theory but outlaws more specific concepts often associated with the study. Critical race theory, which many political scientists believe is rooted in Marxism, states that racism is the foundation of the United States and continues to drive government, religion, education and culture today.
Critics of the theory a lso say it oversimplifies and misdiagnoses the causes of inequality in the United States and also promotes damaging falsehoods such as the existence of widespread, systemic racism in the nation. It specifically states that all whites are inherently racist and that it taints their view of the world.
The new law bans government agencies, schools and public universities from teaching that the United States or Iowa is systemically racist.
The legislation also outlaws a number of other “specifically defined concepts”
- That one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex.
- That the United States and the state of Iowa are fundamentally or systemically racist or sexist.
- That an individual, solely because of race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.
- That an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of race or sex.
- That members of one race or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect to race or sex.
- That an individual’s moral character is necessarily determined by the individual’s race or sex.
- That an individual, by virtue of the individual’s race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex.
- That any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress on account of that individual’s race or sex.
- That meritocracy or traits such as hard work ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular race to oppress another race.
- Any other form of race or sex scapegoating or any other form of race or sex stereotyping.
Other states that have passed or voted upon bans on Critical Race Theory include: Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Washington State recently mandated that CRT must be taught in K-12 schools.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
