A push to ensure critical race theory — a movement that examines the intersection of race, law and equity — out of the classroom got a stamp of approval from the Florida Board of Education Thursday, yet is receiving mixed reactions from parents, teachers and school district officials across the Treasure Coast.
The board approved new, tougher guidelines on how teachers deliver U.S. history, civics and government lessons with an added emphasis on patriotism and the U.S. Constitution.
The vote, which followed a contentious debate and dozens of speakers who spoke both in favor and against the measure, comes as other states have introduced bills that would prevent teachers from teaching "divisive," "racist," or "sexist" concepts.
Gov. Ron DeSantis weighed in via video, arguing that Florida should be teaching "history that is factual" and not "trying to craft narratives in history that are not grounded in fact."