Maine LD 618: An Act to Eliminate Critical Race Theory, Social and Emotional Learning and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from School Curricula — Testimony in Opposition
The following is an excerpt from testimony that was submitted to Senator Rafferty, Representative Brennan and members of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on May 4, 2023.
Senator Rafferty, Representative Brennan and distinguished members of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee,
My name is Kimberly Simmons, from Portland Maine. I hold a doctorate in sociology and have taught college courses related to social justice for more than 2 decades. I am testifying today in opposition to LD 618.
Below I will address many of the substantive concerns I have about this bill. In summary though, I ask you to vote against this bill as it misinterprets and misconstrues Critical Race Theory and Social and Emotional Learning. The concerns listed as prohibitions of instruction gravely mischaracterize these fields. The concerns are also contradictory, and the overall stated intent - to reduce prejudice and discrimination in Maine’s classrooms - undermined by the specific (and confusing) prohibitions.