Last year the Georgia General Assembly passed a law banning “divisive teachings” about race in kindergarten through the 12th grades in the public school system. At the time, Gov. Brian Kemp addressed this issue by saying the state wants “to protect our students from divisive ideologies — like Critical Race Theory– that pit kids against each other.”
“When it comes to education in our state,” he continued, “it’s about a lot more than just money and resources. As the parents of three daughters, one who is a public-school teacher, Marty and I are also concerned about what we are seeing across the country. From the classroom to the ball field, there are those who want to divide our kids along political lines, push partisan agendas and indoctrinate students from all walks of life.”
In this context, the state commission that oversees teacher preparation programs proposes striking some rules language that promotes racial division and instead stress mutual respect of all students regardless of race. One example is that, in some places, the words “different students” would replace “diversity” and “all students” would replace “diverse students.” Changes would also erase examples of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.”
Matt Arthur, the executive director of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, says the rules change process began in order “to clarify expectations” for programs that train educators. He said the rules are also being amended to conform to the new law banning divisive teachings.
The commission also intends to replace a nationally developed set of standards that spells out what teachers should know and be able to do with Georgia-specific standards.
The 18-member commission, appointed by the governor, is scheduled to vote on the rule changes on May 11th.
