UPDATE: Group critical of proposal to legislate curriculums addressing race

UPDATE POSTED 4 P.M. JULY 2, 2021

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Even those its been almost a month since the measures were filed, two proposals to legislate the state’s school curriculum, particularly the teaching of race, continues to spark discussion.

Friday, the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, criticized BR 60 and BR 69, filed in early June.

“The issues raised by the proposed legislation (BR 60 and BR 69), particularly, that of race are concerning. For many generations, being taught United States history in this Commonwealth starts with the arrival of the original settlers, the engagement of the colonists with the native peoples of this soil, and the enslavement of African people. While the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission agrees an individual should not feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress based on one’s race, the absence of a factual, earnest, and contextual history resulting in some of these unintended consequences is exactly what has been occurring for generations. The Kentucky African American Heritage Commission stands to preserve, protect, and celebrate the authentic and true history of people of African descent in this Commonwealth in a way that supports inquiry and the free exchange of ideas as well as honors diversity while uniting us all,” the group said in a statement from Chairwoman Angela Crenshaw.

Two Kentucky Republican lawmakers — Nicholasville Rep. Matt Lockett and Rep. Jennifer Henson Decker of Waddy — filed BR 69 June 7 to to limit teaching about systemic racism in the state’s public schools. They say their proposal, if passed, would prevent public K-12 schools and public colleges and universities from teaching critical race theory.

“The language of BR 69 speaks clearly that the people of Kentucky stand united against this attempt to use our education system to indoctrinate our children,” Lockett and Henson Decker wrote in an emailed statement.

Their proposal followed BR 60, which was filed June 1, by Fort Thomas Republican Rep. Joe Fischer. His proposal focused only on K-12 schools.

Critical race theory is a study of how institutions favor white people, and disadvantage people of color. Those ideas have gained more widespread understanding as calls for racial justice mounted after the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other Black people in 2020. But, now, ideas about systemic racism are facing a conservative backlash.

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED JUNE 2, 2021

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Kentucky state lawmaker has pre-filed legislation blocking Kentucky schools from teaching critical race theory or the Project 1619 curriculum or similar lessons. But state Rep. Joe Fischer’s proposal has drawn some criticism.

Fischer said he prefiled the bill at the request of constituents who contacted him after a proposal to include critical race theory in curriculum for the 2021-2022 school year at Highlands High School was considered.

The School-Based Decision Making Council ultimately rejected the proposal.

However, BR 60 comes just weeks after the Biden administration announced a grant program for history and civics education that prioritizes instruction on “systemic racism” and promotes an ambitious “whole-of-government equity agenda.” The grant will be administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

“Critical race theory is not based on facts or evidence but rather serves as a dangerous diversion from education priorities that are actually proven to eliminate disparities,” Fischer added. “It is a powerful tool for those who seek to divide us into categories and destroy the very institutions that have seen generations of Americans of all races and backgrounds build successful futures.”

The provisions prohibit the promotion of critical race theory concepts, including:

• That one race is inherently superior to the other;
• That an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously;
• That an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her race or sex;
• That an individual’s moral character is determined by his or her race or sex

“There have always been those who seek to divide. Without a doubt, we are an imperfect nation founded by imperfect people, but we have spent much of the past 250 years working to become better. Our history includes dark chapters but offers far more hope than hostility. After all, countless immigrants from around the world have sought us out because this is the land of opportunity,” Fischer said.

The issue has become popular in conservative circles. U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell was critical of the Project 1619 curriculum last month during a talk in Louisville.

His comments drew criticism from his alma mater, the University of Louisville.

Gov. Andy Beshear said Tuesday school curriculum shouldn’t be guided by politics.

“I don’t think we should be legislating what can and can’t be taught,” Beshear said when asked about the issue during his COVID briefing Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s more than a little concerning to me,” he added, noting that’s especially true when it is being guided by “the realm of politics.”

The 1619 Project is an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery.

Meanwhile, Beshear said he still doesn’t plan to end the federal unemployment extension, but he repeated what he first told WTVQ ABC 36 News last week that he is working with the business community on incentives and programs that will help and encourage workers to get back into the work force.

On another subject, the governor repeated his belief that ending the $300 weekly federal unemployment supplement would hurt the state’s economy. Instead, he said he supports incentives to help people return to work, especially those who face issues such as child care and transportation and could be thrown further into financial trouble without the weekly benefit.

“We are working with the state’s business leaders on a smart plan that is good for the economy,” Beshear said.