Gov. Stitt receives request to veto 'critical race theory' bill
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission is requesting Gov. Kevin Stitt veto the bill passed by the Legislature that would prohibit teaching "critical race theory" in Oklahoma classrooms.
Oklahoma House Bill 1775 will "prohibit Oklahoma public schools, colleges and universities from incorporating certain messages about sex and race into any course instruction."
The bill would also prohibit requiring mandatory gender or sexual diversity training or counseling in schools.
"If this bill becomes law it will have serious implications on teaching the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in schools, as well as much of the history of the U.S. which is rife with racism, sexism, and discomfort," said Phil Armstrong, project director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission.
The Centennial Commission said the bill will prohibit teachers from doing their job where topics of race or gender are involved.
"HB1775 would not only interfere with the teaching of Black history, but the entire history of the United States," Armstrong said.
Like Oklahoma, state governments across the country are rushing to pass bills against critical race theory.
Armstrong further discussed the main areas of contention concerning teaching students the implications of historical events, such as the women's suffrage, the Trail of Tears, and the Civil War.
"American and Oklahoma history is uncomfortable, and reconciliation requires truth and processing that is not comfortable," Armstrong said. "Our entire mission and work is centered in this necessary discomfort."
The bill, the letters, and the decision to teach an uncomfortable history all come as Tulsa approaches 100 years since the 1921 Race Massacre.
