Slavery and race arise in Nebraska lawmakers’ education discussion

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lawmakers held a special hearing on education on Monday after years of controversy over sexual health lessons and critical race theory.

It was hosted by Sen. Dave Murman, who invited a group of experts to testify on three resolutions.

They involve parental involvement in education, use of COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, and social and emotional learning in K-12 schools.

He said schools are using social and emotional learning to include teachings of CRT and sex education.

But opponents said that’s not true.

Sen. Danielle Conrad posed several questions to Murman.

“How would you propose Nebraska educators teach about things like redlining, or the Trail of Tears, or the Holocaust or slavery without a discussion of race?” Conrad asked.

“Those issues definitely need to include a race element to that discussion,” Murman said.

Conrad raised concerns about Murman’s proposals, pointing to curriculum changes in Florida.

“Part of the curriculum changes there prompted things like learning materials that indicated that slavery was a benefit to African Americans,” she said. “Do you agree with that?”

“Well, no. Slavery is wrong, there’s no doubt about that,” Murman responded. “But hopefully, we all benefit from our background one way or another. I’m not saying specifically slavery.”

The crowd at the hearing was audibly taken aback by this statement.

The three resolutions – LRs 147, 148 and 149 – would all be added to a previous bill Murman introduced, called the Parent Bill of Rights and Academic Transparency Act.