Critical race theory is taboo in Louisiana public schools.
Governor Landry signed an executive order banning the subject in the state’s public schools from preschool through 12th grade.
A press release from Landry’s office states that Critical Race Theory “embraces divisive teachings that teach students to view life through the lens of race and victimhood.”
Landry says, “This executive order is a much-needed sigh of relief for parents and students across our state, especially now that children are heading back to school. Teaching children that they are currently or destined to be oppressed or to be an oppressor because of their race or background is wrong and has no place in Louisiana’s classrooms.”
Denham Springs Republican Senator Valarie Hodges has championed the CRT ban.
“It’s in some of the teaching materials that I presented to the committee and read,” says Senator Hodges. “People couldn’t believe it was there, but it’s in the textbooks.”
But New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis doubts that critical race theory is taught in grades 1-12.
“I don’t know if critical race theory is taught in public schools from pre-K through high school,” says Senator Duplessis. “I always knew critical race theory was an advanced course that was usually taught in law school.”
Duplessis says children need to be taught history, even if it is unpleasant history.
“We should not hide the truth from our children,” says Duplessis. “It is not in our best interest as a state.”
That is not the purpose of Landry’s executive order, Hodges says.
“We must teach slavery,” says Hodges. “We must teach every aspect of history. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.”
Hodges says Landry’s order is about protecting children.
“You don’t have to teach them that they are hopeless victims or perpetrators, or that they are oppressed or oppressors,” Hodges says.
Duplessis says that doesn’t happen at all.
“Nobody teaches children that they are doomed to oppression because of their race if they are white and oppressive, or if they are black or brown,” Duplessis says.
Duplessis says Landry is looking for a fight where there is no fight to be had.
“We are creating segregation where there is none,” says Duplessis, “all while pushing for placement and demanding that the Ten Commandments be in classrooms.”
