South Dakota Gov. Noem Signs Order to Bar Teaching of Critical Race Theory in K–12 Schools

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference held in the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 27, 2021. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem signed an executive order on April 5 that will bar the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in K–12 education in the state.

The order states that the Department of Education (DOE) shall not “compel” employees, students, or teachers to “personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to inherently divisive concepts.”