Skip to Content

Wisconsin Republicans pass bill banning critical race theory in schools

By Brendan Cullerton

Click here for updates on this story

    MADISON, Wisconsin (WDJT) — Republicans in the state Assembly have passed a bill that would ban critical race theory from being taught in Wisconsin schools.

The measure, passed Tuesday, Sept. 28, appears to target education about systemic racism.

Former teacher and Republican state lawmaker Jeremy Thiesfeldt says certain racial curriculum should be banned from Wisconsin schools.

“We don’t want schools to be misleading students and teaching things that perhaps a teacher wants them to hear, as opposed to what is facts,” said Rep. Thiesfeldt (R-Fond Du Lac).

The bill appears to target the concept of systemic racism, banning teaching that “an individual, by virtue of the individual’s race or sex, bears responsibility for acts committed in the past by other individuals of the same race or sex.”

Democrats called the bill a red herring.

“We also have the white supremacy preservation act, which is part of a national movement to create sort of a new boogeyman in the culture wars,” said State Minority Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh).

The bill would also prevent teaching that “an individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress because of the individual’s race or sex.”

Republicans say the bill is preventing discrimination.

“What is the harm in ensuring that we make every single person in the state realize that we don’t want sexism, we don’t want racism, we don’t want stereotyping taught in our schools,” said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester).

Democrats worry the bill language is so broad it could be used to ban additional speech in schools.

“This lets us know this could include anything. We don’t know what else could be added,” said Rep. LaKeshia Myers (D-Milwaukee).

The plan calls for districts found in violation of the rules to lose up to 10% of their state funding.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Article Topic Follows: CNN - Regional

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

CNN Newsource

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content