HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen filed an opinion Thursday calling ‘critical race theory’ and ‘antiracism’ programs used in schools ‘discriminatory,’ saying they violate state and federal law.
Knudsen’s decision puts the activities in the state at risk, with Knudsen saying his office will help deal with complaints of ‘unlawful race-based discrimination.’
Earlier this month, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen called for Knudsen to take up the issue.
The decision was criticized by the ACLU and the Montana Federation of Public Employees, saying that it politicizes the school curriculum.
Opponents of critical race theory say it pits racial groups against each other, while supporters say it helps people understand the role of race in America.
Attorney General’s Opinions carry the weight of law in Montana, but can be overridden by courts or the Legislature.
