NASW North Carolina opposes bill that prohibits the teaching of the history of racism and oppression

NASW North Carolina opposes bill that prohibits the teaching of the history of racism and oppression

The North Carolina House of Representatives passed HB 324  Ensuring Dignity & Nondiscrimination/ Schools in May 2021, a bill that would ban teachers’ ability to discuss important social issues such as systemic racism, homophobia or sexism in schools. This bill is intended to prohibit schools and teachers from teaching historical and current realities of racism and other forms of oppression in the United States. The bill passed the House along party lines. Opponents of the bill voiced concerns about limiting difficult race-focused conversations about our history. The Senate has not taken up the legislation.

Last week, Senate leadership announced a proposed constitutional amendment to ban affirmative action and a bill to that seeks to prevent indoctrination in schools through Critical Race Theory. No further details have been released about the potential constitutional amendment.

NASW-NC strongly opposes any legislation and potential constitutional amendment that would restrict what students are taught about our nation’s complicated racial history and its repercussions in the inequities that persist in our society. NASW is “committed to social justice for all and ending racism. Discrimination and prejudice directed against any group are damaging to the social, emotional, and economic well-being of the affected group and of society as a whole.”

As of July 20, 26 states have introduced bills or taken other steps that would restrict teaching critical race theory or limit how teachers can discuss racism and sexism. Eleven states have enacted these bans, either through legislation or other avenues.

Action: While the bill is still in the works on the Senate side, you can contact your North Carolina Senator and let them know you are OPPOSED to HB 324 Ensuring Dignity & Nondiscrimination/ Schools. Click here to find your North Carolina Senator.

We invite everyone to become better informed on Critical Race Theory and its impact. NASW-NC has social work members willing to offer firsthand knowledge and education to help you become better informed. For further assistance, please contact Kay Castillo at kcastillo.naswnc@socialworkers.org or Valerie Arendt at varendt.naswnc@socialworkers.org to get connected.

Resources:

• Critical Race Theory: Opportunities for Application in Social Work Practice and Policy
• Resources related to anti-racism
• Undoing Racism Through Social Work