(WASHINGTON D.C., 12/21/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned a bill proposed by South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem that would ban anti-racism teaching in schools statewide.
The bill purports to ban the teaching of “critical race theory” (CRT) in state schools, public universities, and technical colleges. State education officials said critical race theory, a graduate-level analytical framework, was not being taught in South Dakota schools.
SEE: Noem pens bill to block race theory in schools, colleges
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/noem-pens-bill-to-block-race-theory-in-schools-colleges/ar-AAS1pen
Gov. Kristi Noem drafts CRT bill for schools, universities
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw said:
“Legislation such as the bill proposed by South Dakota Governor Noem, which is based on the false premise that critical race theory is being taught in public schools, would prevent young people from learning the history and reality of racism in our nation.
“We condemn all such attempts to use manufactured controversies to ban anti-racist education, and urge lawmakers in South Dakota and nationwide to reject such misguided efforts.”
McCaw noted that CAIR has condemned similar efforts to ban anti-racism teaching in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Idaho, Utah, Missouri, New Hampshire, and other states.
SEE: CAIR Calls for Independent Probe into Racism at N.C. School, Supports Anti-Racism Teaching in Utah After Backlash
CAIR Condemns New Hampshire ‘Bounty’ to Catch Educator’s 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