House Committee Lawmakers Discuss Replacing Critical Race Theory in Schools

Experts told a House education subcommittee that returning to traditional civics curriculum could foster civil debate to help heal divisions in society.

A panel of experts, (L-R) Ian Rowe of the American Enterprise Institute, Jed Atkins of the University of Chapel Hill in North Carolina, Brian Kennedy of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and Michael Weiser of the Jack Miller Center, addressed the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Dec. 4, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Republican members of a House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee said at a hearing on Dec. 4 that public school curricula based on critical race theory should be replaced with history and civics curricula that cover all aspects of American history.

Democratic members of the subcommittee countered that the federal government is prohibited by law from setting public school curricula. They said critical race theory is not taught in K–12 schools, and the federal government should be focused on public school infrastructure and safety.