Senate Democrats urge veto on bill restricting classroom discussions on racial inequities

NASHVILLE — The Senate Democratic Caucus is urging Gov. Bill Lee to veto legislation they say will diminish classroom discussions about race and the origins of racial disparities in America.

Senate Bill 623, which prohibits public school lessons that incorporate “critical race theory,” passed the legislature in the final moments of session.

It’s been transmitted to the governor for his final approval, but Democrats in the legislature are calling on Gov. Lee to think twice before signing the measure into law.

“We cannot reconcile the promise of our principles and the reality of racism in our history if we do not talk about it. Our children deserve to learn the full story — the true story of the victories, the struggles, and the failings — so they can be prepared to contribute to a future for our nation, where liberty and justice are a reality for all of us,” they said in a letter signed by all six members of the Senate Democratic Caucus.