Action Alert – Bill to Ban Critical Race Theory Introduced

AFA of PA ACTION ALERT

June 15, 2021

Issue

Bill to Ban Critical Race Theory Introduced

Details Co-sponsors State Reps Russ Diamond and Barbara Gleim have introduced HB 1532, a bill to ban critical race theory from being taught in any government entity (including schools) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Here’s the link to the bill   

Here are some quotes from their co-sponsorship memo: 

“Our legislation makes it clear that no Pennsylvania school district, public postsecondary institution, or state or local government entity shall teach that any race or sex is superior to another, that any individual based on their race or sex is inherently racist or sexist, or that any individual should receive favorable treatment or be discriminated against based on their race or sex.
 
The manner in which important concepts such as racial and gender equality are taught in our schools could not be more important in defining the type of society we have. Teaching our children that they are inferior or inherently bad based on immutable characteristics such as race and sex can be extremely damaging to their emotional and mental well-being.

Our schools should be teaching that every individual is equal under the law and that no individual should ever be labeled superior or inferior simply due to their race or genetic makeup, nor be held responsible for actions taken by others with similar traits. Such teachings interfere with our constitutional duty to support and maintain a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth.”

The words Critical Race Theory do not appear in the bill itself, thus it is not restricted to that one theory, but passage of HB 1532 would prohibit any teaching that claims one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex; an individual, by virtue of race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously;  an individual’s moral character is determined by the individual’s race or sex; the United States of America or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is fundamentally racist or sexist,

Action Steps

In addition to the two original sponsors, only 16 other state representatives have signed on as co-sponsors. This is a disgrace!  Click here to contact your State Rep and ask him or her to sign onto this important bill.