Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued an executive order on Tuesday banning the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in K-12 public schools across the state.
The governor’s office defined critical race theory as including “divisive teachings that instruct students to view life through the lens of race and victimhood.” The office further stated that Governor Landry “believes students should be learning about American exceptionalism and the principles embodied in State and Federal Constitutions of the United States of America that recognize the equal value of every individual.”
“This executive order is a much-needed sigh of relief for parents and students across our state, especially as kids are heading back to school,” Landry said. “Teaching children that they are currently or destined to be oppressed or to be an oppressor based on their race and origin is wrong and has no place in our Louisiana classrooms. I am confident that under Dr. Brumley’s leadership our education system will continue to head in the right direction, prioritizing American values and common-sense teachings.”
The order follows in the footsteps of a growing number of conservative states that have implemented similar measures to reduce radical racial ideology in public classrooms. Previously, the Louisiana state legislature attempted to pass bills banning CRT in public K-12 schools, but those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Under the executive order, Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley has been directed to review the policies of the state department of education and eliminate anything that aligns with the new definition of CRT. Dr. Brumley has also been tasked with identifying any teachings that suggest a person’s moral character is determined by their race or sex.
“Louisiana students are best served with a clear focus on reading, math, meaningful high school experiences, elevating the teaching profession, and expanding educational freedom for families,” Brumley said in a statement to the Louisiana Illuminator.
