April 17th 2024.
The NAACP, a civil rights organization, has recently joined a lawsuit against the state of Arkansas. The lawsuit accuses the state of intentionally preventing public schools from teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as critical race theory. Working with the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights, the Arkansas chapter of the NAACP is seeking an injunction from a federal court to stop the implementation of the LEARNS Act (Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking, and School Safety Act) while the lawsuit is being litigated.
The lawsuit, which was initially filed in March 2024 by civil rights attorney Mike Laux, has since been amended. It argues that Advanced Placement African American Studies courses in public schools have not been given the same treatment as other AP courses. The plaintiffs claim that these courses have been marginalized and underfunded, depriving students of the opportunity to learn about the history and contributions of Black Americans.
This is just one of the battles that the NAACP is fighting against what its President, Derrick Johnson, describes as a wave of anti-DEI legislation in the United States. Johnson states, "From Arkansas to Alabama, the rejection of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a serious threat to the future of our nation." The organization is determined to use all available resources to protect their constitutional rights and to ensure that their culture is respected, standing strong for their community.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include two high school teachers and two students from Little Rock Central High School, the same school attended by the Little Rock Nine after the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling ended public school segregation. They argue that the legislation has caused significant anxiety, stress, and distress for teachers, parents, and students across Arkansas. As a result, the courses have been removed from the state catalog. Barry Johnson, president of the NAACP Arkansas State Conference, emphasizes that this decision reflects a disregard for the Black history that has been created in the state, known as "The Land of Opportunity." He states, "The Black community in Arkansas has a long history of fighting for equal education. Let's not forget, it was Arkansas children who took on the responsibility of integrating our nation's schools. Almost seventy years later, we continue to carry that torch by fighting for the right to teach that history."
Interestingly, Little Rock Central High School is also the alma mater of Arkansas's Republican Governor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders. In January 2023, she signed the legislation as an executive order, banning what supporters call the "indoctrination" and teaching of critical race theory. She has stated that CRT has no place in Arkansas classrooms as it goes against traditional American values of neutrality, equality, and fairness. The act was later signed into law in March 2023, allowing the Arkansas Department of Education to create policies and processes to prevent "prohibited indoctrination," including critical race theory, among employees, contractors, and guest speakers.
However, opponents of the legislation, such as David Hinojosa, Director of the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, believe that it only presents a partial view of the nation's history. He argues that teachers are being forced to present a "whitewashed" version of American history. According to Hinojosa, "It is offensive and unjust for Arkansas to censor discussions on racism and strip the AP African American Studies course of its benefits, including extra weight for students' GPAs and the potential to earn college credit." This statement was reported by The Hill.
Despite facing resistance from legislation, the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of the law, stating that it had been passed with a valid emergency clause in October 2023. This decision further highlights the ongoing battle for equal education and the fight against discrimination and censorship in the state of Arkansas.
In related news, the NAACP has also cited the Crown Act after a ShopRite employee was allegedly sent home for having red braids. This highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and the need for legislation to protect individuals from discrimination based on their appearance. The NAACP continues to be a strong advocate for equal rights and opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, or appearance.
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