Mississippi News
Anti-critical race theory bill signed into law
Bill that seeks to ban CRT signed into law
Despite widespread opposition from Black lawmakers, civil rights organizations, and educators across the state, on Monday Gov. Tate Reeves signed into law Senate Bill 2113, legislation that seeks to ban the teaching of critical race theory in Mississippi’s K-12 schools, colleges and universities.
In a three-minute video, Reeves claimed that, because of critical race theory, students are being “dragged to the front of the classroom and … coerced to declare themselves as oppressors” and “taught that they should feel guilty because of the color of their skin or that they are inherently a victim because of their race.”
“I know that you’ll agree with me when I say that there is no room for this type of indoctrination in our state,” Reeves said.
The Mississippi Department of Education has repeatedly said that critical race theory is not being taught in K-12 schools. In fact, critical race theory, a high-level academic and legal framework, is taught in just one class in Mississippi – Law 743, a course at the University of Mississippi School of Law.
It’s unlikely the bill will prevent UM from offering Law 743. The vague language in the bill, educators and legal experts have repeatedly pointed out, does not describe critical race theory. The phrase is only in the title of the bill.
The bill, authored by Sen. Michael McClendon, R-Hernando, prohibits public schools from compelling “students to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere … that any sex, race, ethnicity, religion or national origin is inherently superior or inferior.” It would also prevent schools from making “a distinction or classification of students based on account of race.”
Still, SB 2113 has teeth – any school that violates the bill stands to lose state funding. That’s why many educators and civil rights advocates across Mississippi are now waiting to see how SB 2113 will be enforced by education agencies across the state, from MDE and the Institutions of Higher Learning to local school districts.
“The biggest fear we have is that it’s going to impact how teachers teach and how school districts embrace diversity and issues dealing with civil rights or Black history in Mississippi, “ said Jarvis Dortch, the executive director of the ACLU of Mississippi. “We’re afraid that you’re gonna see actions like you saw with the assistant principal in Hinds County — school districts will go overboard and try to avoid any type of litigation.”
The bill’s impact also will likely be hard to quantify. Legal experts say SB 2113 will have a chilling effect on teachers who, fearing repercussions, will shy away from talking about the worst parts of Mississippi’s history.
The bill could also prevent public universities from recognizing affinity groups for marginalized students, such as the Black Law Students Association at University of Mississippi. Educators worry the bill could even affect science curriculum.
“It’s easy to read this bill as prohibiting faculty to teach students about racial disparities in health and disease outcomes,” one professor wrote on Twitter.
Last week, faculty at University of Southern Mississippi warned in a letter to President Rodney Bennett that SB 2113 could affect accreditation for the research universities in Mississippi.
“The most serious harm of (SB 2113) will fall on our students, who will be denied the opportunity to learn and grow unencumbered from legislative dictates,” the letter reads.
Faculty senates at three other Mississippi universities have also passed resolutions denouncing SB 2113.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: February 21-23
SUMMARY: This weekend in Mississippi (February 21-23), enjoy various activities including the William Winter Free Day at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, and the “Art in Bloom” Flower Show in Natchez. Other highlights are the 31st Annual Chili Feast and “Of Salt and Spirit” quilt exhibition in Jackson, along with the Mississippi Blues Marathon. Engage in arts, culture, and wellness at the No Flinch Faith Women’s Empowerment Conference, and explore local markets in Jackson and Natchez. In Hattiesburg, participate in a Mardi Gras Tennis Mixer and various family-friendly events, culminating in the Monster Truck Mayhem show.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: February 21-23 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
All aboard Delta flight survive after plane flips while landing in Toronto
SUMMARY: A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto flipped over while landing at Pearson Airport on February 17, 2025. All 80 passengers and crew survived, with 18 hospitalized for minor injuries. Blowing snow and high winds were reported at the time of landing. Passengers described a forceful landing, with one recalling the plane suddenly rolling sideways. Initial investigations indicated normal communications before the incident, and experts noted that the aircraft is designed to handle adverse weather. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating, particularly the missing right wing. No fatalities were reported.
The post All aboard Delta flight survive after plane flips while landing in Toronto appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: February 14-16
SUMMARY: This weekend (February 14-16) in Mississippi offers a variety of events for relaxation and fun. Highlights include the HBCU Love Valentine’s Day Celebration and S.T.E.M. crafts in Jackson, a Valentine’s dinner concert in Ellisville, and multiple activities at the Dixie National Rodeo. Vicksburg features mythical vow renewals officiated by an Elvis impersonator, a Civil War Gun & Relic Show, and the Laces for Love 5k. In the Pine Belt, enjoy a candle-making session and a Galentine’s Day brunch at the Hattiesburg Zoo. There are also art exhibitions and workshops across various cities, ensuring a memorable weekend.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: February 14-16 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
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