The Francis Howell School Board in Missouri, which had previously voted to revoke an anti-discrimination resolution, has now voted to eliminate elective Black history and literature classes, according to Huff Post.
During a meeting on Thursday night, the seven-member board, all of whom are white, voted 5-2 in favor of discontinuing these courses. The classes had been available at the district’s three high schools since 2021, according to KSDK.
In July, the board, which is led by conservatives, canceled an anti-racism resolution that was approved in 2020 after the death George Floyd, who was killed at the hands of law enforcement. The resolution, which made a pledge to
“speak firmly against any racism, discrimination, and senseless violence against people regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability,”
was removed from school buildings.
According to The Associated Press, the resolution and classes were opposed by five newly appointed board members who received support from the conservative political action committee Francis Howell Families. As stated on their website, their main concerns are about
“critical race theory”
and
“inappropriate books in children’s libraries.”
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
