Michigan’s State Superintendent is not outright endorsing critical race theory instruction, but he is saying that students need to learn about race and racism as part of their education.
Critical Race Theory is a buzzword that generates strong feelings on both sides of the debate. It is an academic concept that is over forty years old. Its premise is that racism is systemic and inherent to American legal systems and government policies. It also states that race is a social creation.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said, “To choose to ignore race and racism in our teaching is to efface or erase history, implicitly or explicitly, and to shortchange our children, who deserve to learn the full breadth and complexity of our extraordinary history.”
Both requiring and banning Critical Race Theory have been legislative objectives for Michigan lawmakers on opposite sides of the aisle. As someone directly involved in education, Rice chimed in with his opinion when meeting with the State Board of Education.
Rice said, “Race and racism may be inconvenient for some, uncomfortable for others, and searing for still others, but, because they are inextricably a part of our history, they must be taught.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
