Arkansas wins case to ban critical race theory in schools

Arkansas has won its case before the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to ban critical race theory in schools.

The three-judge panel on Wednesday ruled against students who argued that the state was violating their First Amendment rights by restricting teaching on critical race theory, The Hill news outlet reported.

“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 judges wrote in their decision, vacating a previous preliminary injunction blocking Arkansas from implementing the law.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin (R) celebrated the ruling on Wednesday, saying, “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.”

An attorney for the students, Mike Laux, said in a statement regarding the ruling, “It gives us pause and concern about a steady erosion of individual rights and protections in this great country. Nonetheless, major aspects of this lawsuit remain viable, and they will proceed in due course.”