According to the Carolina Journal, the new version of HB 324 mirrors the wording and intent of the original House version. (See David N. Bass, Berger says he will combat Critical Race Theory with everything that I have…, Carolina Journal, July 15, 2021.) However, the new version also creates new accountability mechanisms that require public school districts to notify the Department of Public Instruction and make public any plans to teach CRT or hiring speakers who actively promote the theory or have done so in the past.
On July 14, the North Carolina Senate Education Committee began consideration of a proposed substitute for House Bill (HB) 324, a bill that passed the House on May 12, 2021, in a 66-48 party-line vote. HB 324 is a bill:
“…[that] demonstrate[s] the General Assembly’s intent that students, teachers, administrators, and other school employees recognize the equality and rights of all persons and to prohibit public school units from promoting certain concepts that are contrary to that intent.”
Such as critical race theory!
HB 324 specifically prohibits public and charter school units from promoting the following concepts:
(1) One race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex.
(2) An individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.
(3) An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her race or sex.
(4) An individual's moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex.
(5) An individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex.
(6) Any individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress.
(7) That the belief that the United States is a meritocracy is an inherently racist or sexist belief, or that the United States was created by members of a particular race or sex for the purpose of oppressing members of another race or sex.
According to the Carolina Journal, the new version of HB 324 mirrors the wording and intent of the original House version. (See David N. Bass, Berger says he will combat Critical Race Theory with everything that I have…, Carolina Journal, July 15, 2021.) However, the new version also creates new accountability mechanisms that require public school districts to notify the Department of Public Instruction and make public any plans to teach CRT or hiring speakers who actively promote the theory or have done so in the past.
Teaching CRT in schools in all over the board within the State. The Cabarrus County School Board passed a non-discrimination resolution that mirrors the language of HB 324, while the Durham City Council unanimously voted to support its teaching. (See David N. Bass, supra.) Moreover, Lt. Governor Mark Robinson sees CRT as the pernicious fraud it is. “Students should be taught how to think, not what to think.”
Consider writing to your State Senator in support of passage of this bill.
I hope this is of value!
Demetria Carter