Restricting Critical Race Theory
By Tereasa Neeley
Voices Editor
House Bill 1775 has definitely turned some heads after Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law restricting Oklahoma school teachers from teaching critical race theory. Although HB1775 authors and supporters offered no credible evidence to support why this law would be necessary for Oklahoma schools of any type. Many educators feel strongly for or against this bill.
At a news conference on May 7, 2021, Governor Stitt said “This law is to teach kids about history without labeling a young child as an oppressor. Or he or she feels guilty or ashamed based on their race or sex.”
According to Christopher Lehman, an Edmond native, Oklahoma State University graduate, and professor of ethnic studies at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. He argues that critical race theory does not divide students or talk about one race being superior to the other. Instead, it sheds light on racial discrimination.
The Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission argued that critical race theory does not teach students that the difference in their skin color is better than the other. They are also disappointed that Governor Stitt chose to support HB1775. This bill opposes the work of the 1971 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission.
President Joseph Harroz Jr., University of Oklahoma is concerned with the fact that the new law prohibits higher education institutions from requiring students to have mandatory gender or sexual diversity training or counseling. “OU employees, including student employees, are still required to complete the training, along with other necessary and essential employee training, such as sexual harassment and workplace safety,” Harroz said.
Dr. Sean McDaniel, Oklahoma City Public School Superintendent is for HB1775. He believes it is important to continue to learn from our past to build an enlightened and resilient future. “We stand firmly by our vision for equity board policy and remain committed to creating, building, and sustaining an environment that embraces racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity and that provides equitable access to a higher standard of educational success for all students with the intention of closing achievement gaps.” OKCPS strongly agrees with House Bill 1775.
Although some educators are opposed to HB1775, they are now going to have to abide by the new law. Some teachers fear they no longer have support, they want to be respected as professionals and not fear they are going to be reported if they offend anyone.
Tulsa public schools have been downgraded after a teacher found that their training which was to fulfill an accreditation requirement was offensive. Mustang self-reported the violation of HB 1775 and was given the same punishment as Tulsa Public Schools.
Teachers want to know what they teach children will not cost their school their accreditation. Simply feeling uncomfortable does not violate HB1775. Some teachers are overcompensating while trying not to offend anyone. They feel it is hard to follow rules when they do not know what the rules are, causing teachers to second-guess themselves.
Because HB1775 is not clear, educators ask that legislation write clear instructions so that everyone knows what the law is, including the enforcement agencies.
“HB1775 was designed to codify the concept of Martin Luther King. He spoke of a day when people in America would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” said Stitt. “HB1775 codifies that concept that so many of us believe in our hearts including me.”