U.S. Department of Education backs off critical race theory, marking a win for Hoosier families
The Biden Administration reversed course on educational proposals aimed at imposing the teaching of critical race theory (CRT), the 1619 Project, and other similar curriculum into America’s classrooms. The move comes on the heels of a 20-state letter led by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita pushing back against the proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Education establishing priorities for grants in American History and Civics Education programs. Attorney General Rokita issued the following statement:
“Chalk up a win for Hoosier families! In May, I led a coalition of 20 state attorneys general calling on the U.S. Department of Education to back off its promotion of leftist ideologies such as critical race theory. More importantly, thousands of parents nationwide raised their voices making the same demand. The work has paid off! Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced it is changing the grant program that quite rightly came under fire. Even as we celebrate this victory, however, we must stay watchful. Bureaucrats in Washington could very well stop using the term ‘critical race theory’ while continuing to fund programs that veer into bigotry, divisiveness and indoctrination aimed at discrediting American institutions and the beauty of our Constitution. We will continue working to preserve the qualities that make our republic a shining city on a hill.”
Bloomington Offers Employability Skills Training and Support
In partnership with WorkOne, My Sister’s Closet, and Monroe County United Ministries, the City of Bloomington’s Banneker Community Center and Department of Economic & Sustainable Development will host two employability skills training sessions this month. Session 1 will take place on Thursday, July 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCUM, 827 West 14th Court (next to Tri-North Middle School), and Session 2 will take place on Saturday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Banneker Community Center, 930 West 7th Street.
Soft skills related to applying and interviewing for jobs and being successful once hired have been identified as a barrier for people reentering the workforce or seeking to scale up professionally. Job seekers or anyone curious about increasing their employability are encouraged to drop into the sessions to learn about job training programs, to build a resume, to prepare for interviews, or to receive a free image consultation.
Free childcare will be provided for children over three, and parents are welcome to carry smaller children with them throughout the consultations if that is helpful. Free snacks will be provided on site, as will $10 gift certificates to My Sister’s Closet (which serves all genders) for clothing or personal care items. Participants will receive a free sack of groceries while supplies last. No registration is needed to attend the workshops, but participants may reserve a sack of groceries or indicate specific dietary requests at https://forms.gle/fHnZ9d3iAwyzSaNH7.
This Day in Indiana History . . .
July 20, 1820 In State v. Lasselle, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that “slavery can have no existence in Indiana.” The case involved Polly Strong, an enslaved African American woman who was purchased at the age of ten by Vincennes innkeeper Hyancinthe Lasselle. The decision established the 1816 Indiana Constitution as the authority in state courts regarding slavery and involuntary servitude.