Natural State News

Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas introduced a measure to prohibit the funding of critical race theory in schools Aug. 10.

The measure is an amendment to the most recently proposed budget reconciliation package. If voted in, it would prevent federal funds from being diverted to any public preK programs or K-12 schools that promote of teach cirictial race theory, according to an Aug. 10 release from his office. 

Critical race theory has been the subject of debate around the country for months. More specifically, the debate has centered around whether critical race theory should be taught, allowed or instructed in public schools. 

Cotton wrote about his amendment and why he proposed it in a Facebook post.  

"Our future depends on raising a generation of kids who love America and love each other as fellow citizens, no matter their race. Our tax dollars should never support indoctrinating the youngest Americans with Critical Race Theory," he wrote. 

Cotton's involvement in the battle against critical race theory on behalf of the Republican Party began last year. Cotton sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice in October 2020 explaining the "alarming trend of apparent racial segregation in schools" in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, according to a Oct. 22 release from his office.

His disagreement with the theory isn't limited to just schools. Cotton introduced the Combatting Racist Training in the Military Act in March 2021 to prohibit the U.S. Armed Forces from promoting critical race theory, according to a Mar. 25 press release.

Cotton also teamed up with fellow Republicans to bring to light examples of what they consider to be damaging teachings done in the name of critical race theory. Cotton and Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) launched a webpage in May where members of the military can share accounts of training inspired by critical race theory, according to the Aug. 10 release.