As the debate over the teaching of critical race theory continues to rage here in Georgia, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA-01) is entering the fray from Washington, introducing a bill that would prohibit teaching of the controversial theory in the military.
U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter
The Military Education and Values Act would bar the military, including its academies, from teaching CRT “or any other teaching methodology that promotes or causes a racial divide or lack of unity.” Indeed, at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., a course incorporates a book called “Critical Race Theory: An Introduction,” as part of its curriculum, and includes lectures titled “Understanding Whiteness and White Rage.”
Carter says the teachings are promoting division and racial inequality in the classroom, and “the idea that the United States and any particular people within are inherently racist.”
“I’m proud to represent every branch of the military, military families, and many great veterans in the First District of Georgia,” said Carter upon introducing the legislation. “Our service members are the best among us. The brave members of the military put their lives on the line for our country and they should be focused on mission readiness and unity. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration is forcing radical teachings on them to promote division. Even worse, the Left’s cancel culture is going after those who speak out against it. I’m introducing this legislation to ensure our military members can focus on their mission, not the agenda of the radical Left.”
The bill would require a report on the status of CRT usage in military teachings, and direct the Secretary of Defense, within 60 days, to issue guidance that would:
- ban the usage of any teaching methodology that promotes or causes a racial divide or lack of equality;
- provide an updated notice that all races within the military will be treated equally; and,
- update all service members on the core tenets of the United States military.
Of course, the legislation isn’t expected to pass in a Democrat-majority House of Representatives, as support for CRT has fallen almost entirely along party lines. Getting out in front of the issue, though, could help raise Carter’s profile as he considers a run for U.S. Senate. The three-term congressman enjoys high popularity ratings in his coastal Georgia district, but needs a recognition bump further upstate if he decides to enter what promises to be a crowded Republican field.
Meanwhile, last week the Georgia Board of Education passed a resolution denouncing the teaching of the theory in state classrooms and many Republican leaders, including Gov. Brian Kemp, have warned that they will not let it infiltrate Georgia public schools. Critics have said the outcry is “trying to solve a problem that isn’t a problem,” as CRT is not currently being taught in public schools, and the resolution merely “considers actions codifying” a ban on CRT in classrooms.
