By WIBW TV
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Amid increased debate over Critical Race Theory and its place in classrooms, Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson stressed it is not a part of the Kansas curriculum.
In comments at the start of Tuesday’s State Board of Education meeting, Watson said the K-thru-12 history, government, and social studies standards have “never, ever included Critical Race Theory, nor does it today.”
Board Chairman Jim Porter, R-Fredonia, requested the clarification from Watson after reading statements from candidates for public office he called “both inaccurate and irresponsible.”
In addition, Porter ended Tuesday’s session by presenting board members a draft of a letter he’d like to the board to send Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas legislators. He described it as “a statement that accurately talks about the standards for social studies in Kansas.”
Porter asked board members to review the letter, and said they would discuss if further during Wednesday’s meeting during time slated to talk about legislative priorities and stakeholder engagement.
Legal and academic scholars define critical race theory as studying how racism may be embedded in various aspects of American life.
During the June 30 Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 school board meeting, members of the public were asked to leave when a discussion over CRT during the public comment portion of the meeting became heated. The item was not on the agenda, and the district has said it does not teach CRT.