.png)
July 23, 2023
Utah House Democrats Deeply Concerned and Disappointed by Governor DeSantis’ Comments on Academic Curriculum During Utah Visit
The Utah House Democrats express deep concern and disappointment in comments made in the Utah State Capitol, the People’s House, by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. His enabling of an academic curriculum that ignores historical truths is damaging to the education system and a step backward in the civil rights movement. Manufacturing any perception of benefit from the travesty of our nation’s dark history of slavery does nothing more than make a mockery of any progress toward a kinder, more equitable America.
We are alarmed by the failure of Governor DeSantis’s Utah supporters to publicly decry these comments. Racist rhetoric that seeks to erase the unsavory parts of our history has no place in our state’s dialogue. We must insist better from our state leaders. If we do not, we fail to do better for our state, and fail everyone in our communities who deserve to live in a world free from racism and bigotry.
Work is still needed in our state and nation to overcome the lasting traces of racism. We call on our legislative colleagues to recognize the importance of providing opportunities to learn from past atrocities and build a better, more inclusive future for every person. It is imperative the State of Utah continues to teach the whole truth of American history and not hide our dark past. As public officials we must not shy away from our history, but actively work to eradicate injustices in order to create a better future for all Utahns.
###