State school board hears public comment on Critical Race Theory proposal

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah school debate over Critical Race Theory came back to the forefront this week with two hours of public comments. 

The Utah State Board of Education heard public comment on proposed rule R277-328 “Educational Equity in Schools” during a hearing Thursday night. 

The topic of the standing-room-only meeting was the rule outlining what teachers can and cannot discuss regarding race, equity, and inclusion in the classroom.

Without specifically mentioning it, the rule centers around Critical Race Theory. 

Critical Race Theory before the state school board

There were arguments for and against CRT from prominent groups. They included the Utah Education Association, Academic Integrity Movement, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, Ethnic Studies Coalition, and others.

“Because in Utah we proudly celebrate our pioneer heritage, we want to incorporate ethnic studies into the Utah state core curriculum more explicitly to honor the beautiful diversity that defines Utah’s enduring legacy,” said Dr. Kathleen Christy with the Utah Ethnic Studies Coalition. 

The hearing lasted two hours and was at times lively. 

“CRT and equity ideologies cannot survive in a true marketplace of ideas. That’s why special interest groups use government to force them into public schools which have a captive audience because of the monopoly public education has on pupil funding,” says Monica Wilbur with the Academic Integrity movement.

They’re trying to completely extinguish our voice by adding yet another left-leaning organization.
It is imperative that you DO NOT REACT, otherwise our message will be eliminated.
We are here to be your voice and we need everyone to let us get through this in a calm manner pic.twitter.com/t1pBnKk59v

— Academic Integrity Movement (@A_I_Movement) July 21, 2021

School board to consider comments

The Utah State Board of Education will consider the public comments. Next, it will submit amendments to its proposed “Educational Equity in Schools” rule August 5. 

Past coverage: 

• Critical Race Theory debate goes to Granite School Board meeting
• State School Board Committee OKs rule banning critical race theory
• Governor Cox addresses Critical Race Theory, drought, face masks, and vaccinations
• Utah Democrats walk out of session on Critical Race Theory
• Education group protests lawmakers encouraging ban on Critical Race Theory
• Why Donovan Mitchell says he wants to talk to Utah lawmakers
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