Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. Image courtesy: Wisconsin Radio Network
MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Governor Tony Evers has issued vetoes for a bill that would have essentially banned the teaching of Critical Race Theory in Wisconsin schools and a bill that would have allowed teens to work longer hours during the summer tourism season.
In his statement, Evers said he issued a veto for the bill which would have banned Wisconsin schools from teaching courses or training employees about concepts such as systemic racism and implicit bias because it would have “created new censorship rules that restrict schools and educators from teaching honest, complete facts about important historical topics like the Civil War and civil rights.”
Evers added that children also have a right to learn in an environment free from legislative encroachment “that is neither needed or warranted.”
While the bill did not mention Critical Race Theory by name, the principles presented reflect some of the Republican criticisms of the concept.
Evers also said no thank you to a bill that would have allowed those under the age of 16 to work until 11 PM on nights when they don’t have school the next day. The bill had support from some sectors of the state’s economy including the hotel and grocery industry but was opposed by some union groups.
State law currently requires 14 and 15-year-old employees to clock out by 7 PM from Labor Day through May 31st and to be off work by 9 PM in June, July, and August.
Republicans in Madison do not have enough votes to override Evers’ action.
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