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This fact brief was originally published as an experiment to test the concepts behind fact briefs.

Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of useful information in fact briefs like this one, not all of them reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.

FACT BRIEF

Are critical race theory bans limiting how Black History Month can be taught?

Monday, February 14, 2022

By Lisa Freedland

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YES

State laws banning critical race theory in schools are limiting how topics related to Black History Month can be taught.

The laws, which are often broadly written to prohibit "divisive concepts" related to race, have helped certain school districts justify banning books with racial themes. A representative of the American Library Association told CBS News there is a coordinated effort to challenge books that deal with racism or Black American history.

Teachers could incur fines or be fired for violating the laws. A group of Wisconsin teachers was suspended earlier this month over a Black History Month lesson that slaves were executed for disrespecting their master in ancient Mesopotamia.

Critical race theory examines how racism is codified in American law and is typically taught at the college level. CRT bans have been introduced in 37 states and are currently law in 14.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Education Week Map: Where Critical Race Theory Is Under Attack

Reuters Texas schools remove children's books branded 'critical race theory'

CBS News 'Beloved' isn't the only book parents have challenged. Here's why and how books get banned.

Newsweek Teachers Suspended For Asking Children How They Would Punish Slaves in Class Assignment

Education Week A $5 Million Fine for Classroom Discussions on Race? In Tennessee, This Is the New Reality

Encyclopædia Britannica Critical race theory

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Gigafact

Between 2020 and 2022, under close editorial supervision, Gigafact contracted a group of freelance writers and editors to test the concepts for fact briefs and provide inputs to our software development process. We call this effort Gigafact Foundry. Over the course of these two years, Gigafact Foundry writers published over 1500 fact briefs in response to claims they found online. Their important work forms the basis of Gigafact formats and editorial guidelines, and is available to the public on Gigafact.org. Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of relevant information to be found, not all fact briefs produced by Gigafact Foundry reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date and need to be looked at with fresh eyes, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.

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About fact briefs published on Gigafact

Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.