Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill banning the teaching of critical race theory in the state’s schools on Friday.
Stitt announced the signing of the bill in a video statement posted to social media.
My statement on HB 1775. pic.twitter.com/2EgMh7A7xZ
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) May 7, 2021
“Now more than ever we need policies that bring us together, not rip us apart,” he began his message. “I firmly believe that not one cent of taxpayer money should be used to define and divide young Oklahomans about their race or sex.”
The governor explained that you can teach kids about the country’s past without branding white children as oppressors who need to feel guilt over the color of their skin.
“Nothing in this bill prevents or discourages those conversations,” he added. “We can and should teach this history without labeling a young child as an oppressor, or requiring he or she feel guilt or shame based on their race or sex.”