Davenport, IA – According to the statement, Gov. Reynolds signed House File 802 into law, codifying the state’s stance against teaching specific defined concepts, including the controversial critical race theory.
Critical race theory teaches students to look at American society and history through a racial lens and views race itself as a relatively recent social construct that is weaponized by dominant groups to oppress others.
Gov. Reynolds said critical race theory was not about education, but rather labels and stereotypes.
Gov. Reynolds said:
“Critical Race Theory is about labels and stereotypes, not education. It teaches kids that we should judge others based on race, gender or sexual identity, rather than the content of someone’s character. I am proud to have worked with the legislature to promote learning, not discriminatory indoctrination.”
According to the officials, the House File 802 prohibits public colleges in Iowa and governmental agencies from teaching 10 divisive concepts in diversity training, including the idea that one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex, that the United States of America and the state of Iowa are fundamentally or systemically racist or sexist.