Kristi Noem, South Dakota governor has signed legislation that attempts to reduce critical race theory teaching in colleges and universities.
House Bill 1012, which will prohibit teachers and administrators, from forcing them into events that could be based upon critical race theory. The bill itself does not actually use the term “critical race theory,” however, it does list seven “divisive concepts” that the legislature hopes to prevent with its passage.
This Act defines the term divisive concepts as:
(1) Any race, color religion, sexuality, ethnicity or national origin are inherently superior/infeigned.
(2) Individuals should not be treated unfairly or discriminated against because they are of a race, color or religion.
(3) That an individual’s moral character is inherently determined by their race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin;
(4) An individual is considered inherently racist or sexist based on their race, colour, religion, sexuality, and national origin.
(5) Individuals are inherently accountable for past actions by others of the same race color religion sex ethnicity or national origin.
(6) An individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of the individual’s race, color, religion, ethnicity, or national origin; or
(7) Meritocracy and traits like a strong work ethic or other characteristics are racists or sexists or created by members a specific race or sexual to oppress another race.
Noem says she hopes the bill helps preserve college campuses as a place of “freedom of thought and expression.”
“No student or teacher should have to endorse critical race theory in order to attend, graduate from, or teach at our public universities. College should remain a place where freedom of thought and expression are encouraged, not stifled by political agendas.”
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