(WASHINGTON D.C., 1/27/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Indiana State Senate to reject a bill that would ban anti-racism teaching following the bill’s approval by the House.
CAIR also called on South Carolina lawmakers to reject a similar piece of proposed legislation.
House Bill 1134, authored by Republican State Rep. Tony Cook, seeks to ban the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in schools. If implemented, the bill would limit the ability of teachers to instruct students on systemic racism. The bill passed the Indiana House of Representatives in a 60-37 vote. It has been sent to the state Senate for consideration.
SEE: HB 1134: Indiana House approves Critical Race Theory-inspired bill
Lawmakers in South Carolina discussed several bills that would also ban CRT in schools. Chairwoman of the state’s House Education and Public Works Committee Rita Allison led a discussion on 5 bills she hopes to combine into one. Some bills explicitly define CRT, while others don’t. Some explicitly ban the 1619 Project, a collection of essays arguing that slavery was one of the most crucial developments in early American history.
SEE: Bill aims to prohibit use of critical race theory in SC schools
SC lawmakers vow to take time on critical race theory rules
https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/nation-world/national/article257749438.html
According to the American Bar Association, “CRT recognizes that racism is not a bygone relic of the past. Instead, it acknowledges that the legacy of slavery, segregation, and the imposition of second-class citizenship on Black Americans and other people of color continue to permeate the social fabric of this nation.”
SEE: A Lesson on Critical Race Theory
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw said:
“We urge lawmakers in all state legislatures to reject the misinformation and fear-mongering about critical race theory and reject attempts to limit the free speech of teachers and impede the anti-racism education of our nation’s youth through unconstitutional legislation.”
McCaw noted that CAIR has previously condemned attempts to ban anti-racism teaching in Indiana.
SEE: CAIR Calls on Indiana Legislature to Drop Bill Banning Anti-Racism Teaching
CAIR has condemned efforts to ban anti-racism teaching nationwide.
CAIR-Missouri Condemns Proposed Bill Banning Anti-Racism Teaching
CAIR Condemns Proposed South Dakota Bill Banning Anti-Racism Teaching
CAIR Calls on North Dakota Legislature to Drop Bill Banning Anti-Racism Teaching
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com
