LANSING, Mich., Nov. 3, 2021 — Yesterday, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 5097 banning the teaching of racial injustice in public schools. State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) issued the following statement condemning the passage of the legislation:
“Let’s be clear: No students in Michigan are learning critical race theory. Let’s also be clear: Our outstanding teachers are not teaching students to feel guilty about their race or any other aspects of their identity that they cannot change. So what are these bills about? These bills are about the fragile feelings of those who can’t face up to an honest and fair account of American history. Slavery happened. Jim Crow happened. Our nation’s history continues to shape our society today. Our students deserve to learn about the events that made the world the way it is today.”