What critical race theory says about tough issues in Utah politics
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Utah politics is in the middle of a whirlwind week.
During Wednesday’s extraordinary session, House Democrats collectively walked out before a vote on a critical race theory resolution encouraging CRT not be included in Utah schools.
Rep. Angela Romero (D-Salt Lake) was one of the lawmakers to walk out and says it was the best way to make a statement that Republicans did not include Democrats in the debate leading up to the vote.
“This is policy that we're talking about, and people are focused on the politics,” Romero said.
Romero studied critical race theory as an undergrad and as part of a masters program and said she has longer term concerns over the resolution.
“If we ban this, where are we going to go next? Are we going to go to gender studies, are we going to say people can't read books?” Romero said.
MORE: School board president on critical race theory: 'This is not what Utah education is'
On Monday, Gov. Spencer Cox wrote a letter to lawmakers saying critical race theory would not be part of the official special session agenda.
Twenty-four hours later, lawmakers from both chambers called extraordinary sessions, which are allowed under law, with notice they would vote on CRT resolutions. These events, in part, highlight a divided state of politics over this issue.
Change is always scary, and I think that trickles down here,” Romero said.
Greg Hughes, a Republican, says he never witnessed a caucus-wide walk-out during his four years serving as speaker of the Utah House.
“That's your time to be part of that process, and to walk off, it's kind of reflective of what we're seeing in politics nationally," Hughes said. "It's take our toys and go home, a little bit of political pageantry.”
Top Republican lawmakers have said this resolution was the result of a flurry of emails and calls from concerned constituents. Hughes believes the CRT issue, which has bubbled up in recent weeks, is now concerning both sides.
“So, you're going to see a legislative body take on issues more frequently where they are hearing their constituents express real concern,” Hughes said.
Hughes thinks it’s important for Utahns to know that lawmakers often agree on many issues, but didn't get closer to finding common ground on Wednesday.
I think the growth as a state is evidence that we do get things done in this state, but I'm going to say it's getting harder, and days like today show us that it's getting harder," Hughes said.
