(WASHINGTON D.C., 3/18/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Alabama Senate to reject a bill that would ban anti-racism teaching in schools.
On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives approved the bill, which would restrict instruction on systemic anti-Black racism in America. The bill is similar to other legislation proposed in states nationwide banning the teaching of critical race theory (CRT). The bill now goes to the state senate.
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
“Bans on anti-racism teaching impede students’ ability to understand the real problems related to systemic anti-Black racism and white supremacy facing our society today,” said CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw. “We urge lawmakers in Alabama and nationwide to reject these un-American restrictions on free speech and education.”
He noted that CRT is not being taught in K-12 schools in any part of the country, and that CAIR has previously condemned attempts to ban teaching about racism nationwide.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Failure of West Virginia Bill Targeting Anti-Racism Teaching
CAIR Welcomes Failure of Wyoming Bills to Ban Anti-Racism Teaching
CAIR Supports Call to Oppose South Dakota 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