❓WHAT HAPPENED: A ban on critical race theory (CRT) in Arkansas schools has been successfully defended before the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, a three-judge panel from the 8th Circuit, and students challenging the law.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was issued on Wednesday by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
💬KEY QUOTE: “With its ruling today, the 8th Circuit continues to ensure that the responsibility of setting the curriculum is in the hands of democratically elected officials who, by nature, are responsive to voters.” – Tim Griffin
🎯IMPACT: The ruling vacates a prior injunction and reinforces the state’s authority to determine school curricula.
The State of Arkansas successfully defended its ban on critical race theory in its schools before the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. On Wednesday, a three-judge panel issued a ruling against a legal challenge brought by a group of students who contend the state ban violates their First Amendment rights.
“Since the Free Speech Clause does not give the students the right to compel the government to say something it does not wish to, they cannot show a likelihood of success,” the 8th Circuit ruling reads. Notably, there are long-standing legal precedents for schools and both the state and federal governments to limit the free speech rights of students.
The ruling was met with praise by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin (R), who stated on Wednesday: “With its ruling today, the 8th Circuit continues to ensure that the responsibility of setting the curriculum is in the hands of democratically elected officials who, by nature, are responsive to voters.”
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