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Cox says no to critical race theory in K-12 education, yes for higher ed


Gov. Cox says no to critical race theory in K-12 education, yes for higher ed
Gov. Cox says no to critical race theory in K-12 education, yes for higher ed
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Gov. Spencer Cox said Thursday that critical race theory should not be taught in Utah elementary, middle and high schools, but asserted the now controversial, yet difficult-to-define theory does belong in colleges and universities.

His comments came in response to questions, including from 2News, at a monthly PBS Utah news conference.

First of all, it doesn’t have a place in Utah curriculum; it’s not being taught anywhere,“ the governor said.

“Should it?” 2News asked.

“Not in K-12, no,” Cox replied. “Again, it depends on how you define critical race theory. There are certain portions of critical race theory — again, from what I understand; it’s a theory — that are problematic.“

School board president on critical race theory: 'This is not what Utah education is'

The governor did not elaborate on issues of concern, but his comments came the day after Republican lawmakers at the Capitol overwhelmingly approved resolutions urging the Utah State Board of Education to come up with rules on teaching race that could lead to a CRT ban in public schools.

Cox denied putting critical race theory on a special session agenda, so legislative leaders called lawmakers into a second, same-day “extraordinary” session to debate and pass resolutions.

Thursday, the governor said legislative leaders did what he asked — giving the issue more study. Cox also said he was “fine” with Democrats in the House walking off the floor, rather than engage in the critical race theory debate.

They said they were “left out” of discussions leading to the vote, and the walkout was the best way to make their voices heard.

MORE: Black educators who've studied critical race theory say public misinformed about its role

“What we would like our students to do is to understand different theoretical approaches,” said University of Utah political science professor Matthew Burbank, who said he uses elements of critical race theory in a course he teaches on voting, elections and public opinion; but it’s only part of the class, and he cast other approaches as more effective.

Critical race theory presumes that race is central...that there is systemic racism, and that explains a great deal about the nature of the American experience,” he said. “It’s not the only way to talk about those kinds of issues. There are lots of other ways.”

Two GOP state senators said for every email they receive supporting critical race theory in Utah public schools, they are getting hundreds of emails opposing the instruction.

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