Arizona House Republicans advance bill addressing critical race theory in public schools

Originally Published on Courthouse News

The proposed law would fine schools $5,000 for violations. Democrats think the bill's language is subjective.

PHOENIX (CN) — The Arizona House of Representatives approved a bill Wednesday prohibiting public schools from teaching “divisive” academic concepts about racism. 

The Republican-dominated state Legislature looks to join the ranks of Arkansas, Florida, Texas and Utah, who’ve passed similar bills to combat assigning racial “blame” to aspects of history.

Senate Bill 1412 bans teachers from using language that promotes or advocates for blame or judgment based on race, gender or ethnicity. Additionally, it stops teachers from instructing that one race or ethnic group is inherently morally or intellectually superior to another race or ethnic group. 

The bill also prohibits a teacher from defining a race or ethnicity as inherently racist or oppressive. It allows a fine of up to $5,000 for schools that violate the proposed law.

Democrats said Wednesday that critical race theory, or the educational concept of racism being fostered and perpetuated by the socio-economic system, is not a common problem in schools…