Concerned Lexington County parents can relax.

At least 2 local districts are not teaching critical race theory, the 1619 Project or other curriculum dealing with race and identity

The Chronicle asked the county’s 5 school districts:

• Their policy on teaching curriculum dealing with race and identity?

• What advice they have received from state or federal education officials?

Dawn Kujawa of District 2 in the Cayce-West Columbia area and Laura McElveen of District 5 in Chapin and Irmo said their curriculum follows state standards.

Critical race theory and the 1619 Project are not specifically outlined in state standards, McElveen said.

The other 3 districts have not yet responded.

Parents in other states have protested the curriculum which promotes racial shaming of white children.

Lexington County lawmakers 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 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 curriculum here.

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, 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.”