In a turn of events, two staff members from a Missouri school district who sued over compulsory anti-racism training are now facing dismissed claims by a U.S. appeals court panel. The training, which touched upon still sensitive topics of white privilege and white supremacy, was claimed by the employees to infringe their free-speech rights. However, the three-judge 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled in Missouri that the lawsuit was frivolous. According to Reuters, the court stated that since the training was optional, and not mandatory, the argument of the plaintiffs did not hold water.
Evidence shows that the inclusion of these trainings could be justified, in light of recent racist and homophobic events occurring within the state. For instance, a teacher found himself in controversy for his use of racial slurs in a classroom (Kansas City Star). Similarly, a high school quarterback has sued for the right to transfer schools on the grounds of his coach’s alleged racism (Outsports) .
Interestingly, these events have prompted questions surrounding the boundaries of free speech, and the understanding and teaching of history in schools. Just last December, an all-white Missouri school board voted to remove Black history courses from the curriculum (Truthout). Critics argue that this is more of a Fourteenth Amendment issue, tied up with perpetuating racism and disenfranchisement, rather than a First Amendment one.
This distinct case may therefore serve as a precedent in the discussion of anti-racism training in schools, and the understanding and interpretation of the First Amendment rights in relation to it. Refer to Above the Law for the full story and details.