UNL student government holds emergency meeting regarding critical race theory

In less than ten days the University of Nebraska board of Reagents plans to vote on a proposal. Reagent Jim Pillen has put the proposal forward, wanting to eliminate critical race theory from being taught at the university.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — In less than ten days the University of Nebraska board of Reagents plans to vote on a proposal. Reagent Jim Pillen has put the proposal forward, wanting to eliminate critical race theory from being taught at the university.

An emergency meeting among the student government was called to present a bill opposing that proposal.

“I think this is gonna be a great opportunity to, to inspire conversation, but also inspire advocacy. I think people will be educated tonight, I think people will listen to each other, ” Batool Ibrahim, the student body president, said.

Any student was welcome to join in on the open dialogue as the association of students discussed the bill. Including those who agreed that reagents shouldn’t choose what is taught in classrooms still expressed concern with CRT being taught at UNL.

“I find that teaching something that is divisive and singles people out because of race is wrong. So, I don’t think that the content of CRT is valuable to the university,” a UNL student, named Josh, said.

Ultimately, the ASUN passed their bill expressing their distaste with Pillen’s proposal. Although, the bill will not have a direct impact, the hope is to make sure the reagents hear the opinions of the student body.

“I think that oftentimes, especially in the board of regents as a governing body, to not value student voices and to not bring in student input is problematic. I think that this resolution has a lot of opportunity for change,” Ibrahim said.