COLUMBUS – The debate over teaching the role of racism in American history in Ohio schools has been highlighted as a committee at the Statehouse weighs two bills that would prohibit such instruction.
Teaching that focuses on the effect of racism on society would be prohibited in Ohio’s K-12 classrooms under a pair of bills introduced by Republican state lawmakers in May that are similar to legislation introduced nationwide by GOP lawmakers.
Lawmakers heard extensive testimony during a Wednesday hearing of the House State and Local Government Committee.
Critical race theory is part of a scholarly movement that proposes examining U.S. history and modern society through a focus on the legacy of slavery, racism and discrimination.
Opponents say banning it from classrooms stifles freedom of speech.
“Schools should be a place of opportunity; places where students can learn how to think critically, value each other’s experiences, and understand our past and present realities. These bills move Ohio in the wrong direction – backwards,” said Rep. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati), the panel‘s ranking Democrat.
Critics say critical race theory teaches that the United States is a fundamentally racist country.