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Living in Ignorance
owa’s ban on critical race theory (CRT) has begun to affect students’ education. With uncomfortable topics being glossed over in schools across the state, history is destined to repeat itself. We cannot afford to let our youth learn inaccurate truths about their collective pasts. On June 8, 2021, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds imposed a ban on “divisive concepts” being taught in schools. CRT states that U.S. social institutions contain or have contained systemic racism. It is considered a divisive concept and was referenced, but not directly mentioned. The section in the law banning CRT says divisive concepts include suggesting “the United States of America and the state of Iowa are fundamentally or systemically racist.” One example of CRT is the concept of redlining. It is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “the illegal practice of refusing to offer credit or insurance in a particular com-
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munity on a discriminatory basis.” Redlining is something that occurs blatantly and often and is no longer allowed to be taught in Iowa schools. A Des Moines Register poll showed that 56% of Iowans opposed the law, 34% were in favor and 10% were undecided. Over half of Democrats and Independent voters opposed the ban. This left Republicans as the only political party in majority support, at 57% approval. History teachers across the state were outraged. The ban on CRT stopped the teaching of concepts surrounding racism. It ended necessary conversations between teachers and students about racial inequities. “Good teachers have their students look at things from different points of view,” Michelle Frye, Kennedy African American Humanities teacher, said. “I believe it’s educational malpractice to not expose kids to different things. Getting kids to think and challenging their views is what we’re
