JACKSON, Miss. Mississippi Governor. Tate Reeves signed Monday’s bill to limit how race is discussed in schools, and it became law instantly.
Republican Reeves stated in a video posted to social media that “Contrary what some critics may claim”, the bill does not prohibit teaching history. “Any claim that this bill will somehow prevent Mississippi children from learning about American history, is flat-out false.”
Senate Bill 2111‘s short title states that it will prohibit “critical-race theory.” However, the legislation’s main text does not mention the theory or define it. Many supporters of the bill have also said that they can’t define it.
No school, community college, or university can teach that any “sex or race, ethnicity or religion is inherently superior, or inferior” under the new law.
In a statement , the ACLU of Mississippi stated that laws against critical race theory are “thinly veiled attempts at silence discussion of race and gender amongst students and educators.”
The Republican-controlled House voted 75-43 to pass the bill March 3 after a six-hour debate in which several Black lawmakers gave impassioned speeches in opposition. The legislation would prevent honest discussion on the negative effects of racism, as parents might complain that history lessons have made white children feel uncomfortable.
When the bill passed the Republican-controlled Senate in January, all of the Black senators withheld their votes and walked out in protest.
Republicans all over the country are raising money by saying that critical race theory is a danger. Many Republican-led states have banned critical race theory and similar concepts through administrative or legislative actions.
Critical race theory examines the impact of racism on public policy and institutions, such as the legal system and how they have perpetuated white supremacy in society.
Carey Wright, Mississippi Superintendent of Education, stated that critical race theory is not taught at the state’s schools. An elective course on the theory is offered by the University of Mississippi’s law school.
Mississippi is home to 38 percent of the nation’s Black residents. It was also a hub for civil rights movements in the Deep South.
