Did you know? Missouri Bill 952 proposes that “Critical Race Theory” should not be taught in schools that receive state funding, and if passed, individuals could sue institutions that, “Employ immutable, inherited, or typically continuing characteristics such as race, income, appearance, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, or gender identity to:
(a) Perpetuate stereotypes; and
(b) Assign blame for societal problems or ills to categories of living persons based
on any such stereotypes or characteristics”
Class 17’s Cha Cha Rubin testified against the bill at the State Capitol. “Forming my own opinions with the information given to me is crucial. I want to be able to grow in an environment with conflicting views and be able to talk about that. Knowing the past and present is something that should be provided to everyone.” explained Cha Cha.
Cultural Leadership Senior Facilitator, Phil Hunsberger, founder of Educational Equity Consultants, an organization Bill 952 seeks to bar from Missouri schools as an entity “implementing Critical Race Theory,” is not deterred by this proposed censorship. “The danger of ‘Critical Race Theory’ in its extreme, is that we are attempting to continue to white-wash history. Even though our history has its flaws, when we avoid telling the truth, it makes us avoid changing how we do things,” Phil says, “I have great faith in young people, and believe when given the truth they make the right decisions.” Considering the work Cultural Leadership does, Phil has seen young people become more empathetic and their thinking become more acute when engaging with this material, and feels Bill 952 is an insult to their intellect. We are proud of Cha Cha and Phil for standing up and taking action, we encourage you to educate yourself and form your own opinions about this bill! You can read it in full here: Missouri Bill 952