Lexington County lawmakers aim to ban teaching critical race theory in public schools.

SC Reps. Chris Wooten and Chip Huggins introduced an academic integrity bill H.4343 in the House before this year’s session ended.

The anti-racial shaming bill has wide support.

It is under consideration in the House Education Committee and the Ways and Means Committee which handles state spending.

The bill would withhold state tax dollars and bar teaching the widely criticized 1619 Project and critical race theory to public school students.

It would also refuse federal grants for such teaching.

“I am not aware of any monies that have been sought,” Huggins said. “That’s why we are trying to be ahead of the game.”

Wooten said he has not talked with SC Education Supt. Molly Spearman, a former legislator, about her position but he is getting a lot of feedback about allowing racial shaming to go on in classrooms.

Melanie Barton, special education advisor to Gov. Henry McMaster, wrote in an email to a citizen that “critical race theory is a belief that our laws and legal institutions are inherently racist and are used by white people to further their economic and political interests at the expense of people of color.

“Gov. McMaster vehemently disagrees with this belief. He also shares your concern that critical race theory is a divisive theory, which should not be used to indoctrinate our children.

“However, unlike governors in other states, the governor of South Carolina cannot through executive order ban specific curriculum from public schools.

“Instead, through legislation, which the governor supports, can South Carolina address the issue.

“There is also a proviso in the state budget that would prevent any state funds allocated to school districts to be expended on instruction or professional development that promotes critical race theory.”

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