Michigan and Ohio introduce legislation to ban critical race theory in schools

Michigan and Ohio have introduced legislation that would ban the teaching of critical race theory in public schools, joining a nation-wide push to ban the controversial teaching.

In Michigan, Senate Bill 460, states that "beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, the board of a school district or the board of directors of a public school academy shall ensure that the curriculum provided to all pupils enrolled in the school district or public school academy does not include coverage of the critical race theory, the 1619 project, or any of the following anti-American and racist theories."

Theories listed by the bill include "that any race is inherently superior or inferior to any other race," "that the United States is a fundamentally racist country," that the founding documents of the United States are racist, that a person's worth and morals are determined by their race, and that a person race indicates whether or not they are inherently racist or oppressive.

Those found in violation of the bill by September 30, 2021, would have 5 percent of their funds withheld. On November 1 of every year, a report of schools not in compliance would be brought to the House and Senate.

In Ohio, an amendment to House Bill 322 adds that teachers would not be required to discuss widely debated or controversial current events, and that school staff should not adopt or believe any sentiments outlined as being "racist" set forth in the bill.

"No state agency, school district, or school shall teach, instruct, or train any administrator, teacher, staff, member, or employee to adopt or believe any of the following concepts: One race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex; An individual, by virtue of the individual's race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously; An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of the individual's race; Members of one race cannot or should not attempt to treat others without respect to race," stated the bill, amongst other beliefs.

These bills, if passed, would join a growing list of states across the country banning or working towards banning the teaching of the widely controversial critical race theory and 1619 project, which centers around the United States and its "racist" founding.

Tennessee, Arizona, and Texas currently have bills moving through their House and Senate to ban the teaching in their states, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced in March that he would be banning the teaching from Florida public schools.