Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry bans critical race theory in public schools

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order on Tuesday banning Critical Race Theory (CRT) from being taught in K-12 public schools, saying these teachings were "divisive" and had no place in Louisiana classrooms.

The governor's office wrote in a press release, "Critical Race Theory (CRT) includes divisive teachings that instruct students to view life through the lens of race and victimhood. Governor Landry believes students should be learning about American exceptionalism and the principles embodied in State and Federal Constitutions of the United States of America that recognize the equal value of every individual."

"This executive order is a much-needed sigh of relief for parents and students across our state, especially as kids are heading back to school," said Landry. "Teaching children that they are currently or destined to be oppressed or to be an oppressor based on their race and origin is wrong and has no place in our Louisiana classrooms. I am confident that under Dr. Brumley's leadership our education system will continue to head in the right direction, prioritizing American values and common-sense teachings."

Republican-controlled states across the US have pushed for similar measures. In 2021, both Florida and Idaho approved legislation that banned critical race theory from entering state-funded classrooms.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said at the time, "Critical Race Theory teaches kids to hate our country and to hate each other. It is state-sanctioned racism and has no place in Florida schools."