A group of Republican lawmakers introduced a bill Monday that would prohibit federal funding for critical race theory.
The Protect Equality and Civics Education Act, also known as PEACE Act, aims to prohibit federal funding that “promote divisive concepts,” such as critical race theory (CRT). The legislation was introduced by a group of three Republicans that include Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer and Indiana Sen. Mike Braun.
If enacted, the bill would ensure that no federal funds “may be used to fund curriculum, or teaching or counseling, that promotes or compels a divisive concept under the priorities noticed in the proposed rule submitted by the Department of Education.”
Sen Rubio, @SenKevinCramer, & @SenatorBraun introduced the PEACE Act, which prohibits federal funding to promote divisive concepts, such as Critical Race Theory, under the priorities outlined in the @usedgov US History & Civics Education program.
— Senator Rubio Press (@SenRubioPress) August 10, 2021
The bill would codify executive order 13950 issued in September 2020 by former President Donald Trump that was revoked by President Joe Biden on his first day in office. The executive order prohibited funding for critical race theory in public schools and colleges.
“The story of our nation is under attack as the radical left continues to attempt to rewrite American history and categorize our citizens into an oppressor and oppressed class,” Rubio said in a press release. “This is not only inaccurate, it is dangerous. I will not allow American students to be subjected to propaganda that seeks to divide and indoctrinate future generations into believing that some individuals are inherently racist solely due to the color of their skin,” he continued.
Critical race theory (CRT) has become the last flashing point between progressives and conservatives as both sides fight over its meaning, purpose and teaching in schools and colleges. CRT holds that America is fundamentally racist, yet it teaches students to view every social interaction and person in terms of race. Its adherents pursue “antiracism” through the end of merit, objective truth and the adoption of race-based policies. (RELATED: We Checked, And They’re Right; CRT Is Not Being Taught In Schools (Technically))
“Critical Race Theory is antithetical to the American ideal that all are created equal. It should never be endorsed, much less funded by the Department of Education. Our bill would stop federal taxpayer dollars from being used to promote Critical Race Theory and protect our students from these divisive and misguided teachings,” Cramer said.
“Critical Race Theory teaches young people to distrust each other at a time when this country needs unification more than ever,” Braun said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on this measure that aims to protect our children by keeping divisive political agendas out of our schools,” he added.
The legislation builds upon a companion legislation introduced in May by North Carolina Republican Reps. Madison Cawthorn and Virginia Foxx.