IOWA - Iowa is one of six states to have passed bills barring the teaching of critical race theory.
Teachers of critical race theory says it's meant to recognize racial disparities in the U.S., and claim it's being mischaracterized by lawmakers.
Numerous high ranking Republicans nationally have called the concept divisive and inappropriate for classroom instruction.
It's been banned by Republican controlled legislatures in six states and awaits Governor Kim Reynolds signature in Iowa.
The bill in Iowa prohibits the teaching of "specific defined concepts”, including that the U.S. or Iowa are fundamentally or systemically racist or sexist, and that an individual, solely because of the individual’s race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Bills barring the teaching of critical race theory have become law this year in three states - Oklahoma, Arkansas and Idaho. In addition to Iowa, a bill is waiting for a governor's approval in Tennessee.
The Hill reports that a bill banning critical race theory was passed by the state legislature in Texas Saturday.
Last Wednesday, 20 GOP state attorneys general sent a letter to the Biden admiration stating that they oppose teaching critical race theory in classrooms.
“The proposed priorities are a thinly veiled attempt at bringing into our states’ classrooms the deeply flawed and controversial teachings of Critical Race Theory and the 1619 Project,” the letter states.
The “1619 Project” is an extensive essay published in the New York Times that takes its name from the year black slaves were first brought to what is now Jamestown, Virginia.