RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina House Republicans approved a plan on Wednesday to prohibit public schools from embracing certain ideas that critically examine how race and racism influence American politics, culture and law. The measure passed by a vote of 65 to 48 and now heads to the Senate. If approved, it would go […]
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina House Republicans approved a plan on Wednesday to prohibit public schools from embracing certain ideas that critically examine how race and racism influence American politics, culture and law.
N.C. Republicans push bill to limit teaching of race, racism
By BRYAN ANDERSONMay 11, 2021 GMT
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina Republicans are quickly advancing a last-minute proposal that would prevent public schools from promoting several concepts about race and racism.
A bill originally seeking to clarify reopening guidance for charter schools was substituted during an education committee Tuesday with a new plan to bar schools from teaching ideas that Republicans say are “contrary to the equality and rights of all persons.” The bill comes as lawmakers in a number of states this year have debated how and whether systemic racism should be taught in public schools.
The teaching of critical race theory as the only explanation of America’s past would be outlawed in public schools under a bill approved by the N.C. House Education Committee on Tuesday, May 11.
A proposed committee substitute for House Bill 324 would prohibit public schools from promoting the idea that one race or sex is inherently superior to another; an individual is racist, sexist, or oppressive based solely on their own race or sex (consciously or unconsciously); an individual should receive special treatment solely because of his or her race or sex; moral character is determined by race or sex; or based solely on race or sex, an individual bears responsibility for actions taken in the past by members of that same race or sex.
Sen. Mujtaba A. Mohammed
Democratic legislators pressed for passage of a bill requiring footage from police body cameras to be released 48 hours after it is recorded, unless a judge orders a delay.
In a news conference, sponsors of Senate bill 510 and its companion, House bill 698, said the proposal would improve transparency.
A 2016 law requires a judge to allow the public release of police body camera or dash camera footage. The 2016 bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, but Democrats who spoke Tuesday said the law enforcement shooting last week in Elizabeth City showed its inadequacies.
“Accountability requires transparency and the law as currently written delays that transparency,” said Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed, a Mecklenburg County Democrat.