Senators seek probe of Ed Dept. over critical race theory

A group of Nebraska state senators is calling for an investigation into the state Department of Education for – in their view – promoting “critical race theory.”

Critical race theory is an academic theory that argues racism is not merely the product of individual bias or prejudice, but also something embedded in legal systems and policies. It’s become a lightning rod for critics who say it promotes a divisive and distorted view of American history.

Monday, five state senators led by Sen. Dave Murman called for an investigation into the Department of Education’s handling of the issue. Murman pointed to a since-deleted link on a departmental website about reopening schools after the pandemic.

“Educators were encouraged to take action and provided with (a) PDF document titled “Winning Racial Justice In Our Schools – Resisting The Right Wing Attacks On Critical Race Theory,” Murman said.

Spokesperson David Jespersen said the department removed the link to the offending PDF after the governor’s office raised concerns in June. He said the department has never promoted critical race theory, and it’s not part of the state’s academic standards.

Murman said any investigation will probably have to wait until the Legislature reconvenes in January.