In a debate over an education bill, a Louisiana state representative said that schools should teach the “good” side of slavery.
The Washington Post reported Rep. Ray Garofalo, a Republican, said that slavery is being taught using “divisive concepts.”
He went on to say, “If you are having a discussion on whatever the case may be, on slavery, then you can talk about everything dealing with slavery: the good, the bad, the ugly.”
His daft remarks were countered by Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, a member of his own party, who said, “There is no good to slavery, though.”
The House then erupted in laughter following the exchange between the two representatives.
The low point of session undoubtedly came today when Rep. Ray Garofalo said Louisiana schools need to teach the good of slavery. #Lalege pic.twitter.com/OPbRq98ifx
— Louisiana Democrats (@LaDemos) April 27, 2021
Garofalo attempted to reverse course on his statements after the laughter by saying, “I didn’t mean to imply that. I don’t believe that, and I know that’s not the case,” but it wasn’t enough.
Several Louisiana Democrats captured his dumb a** remark on video and posted the footage to their social media accounts.
This bill is the latest attempt by Republicans to further the idea that systemic racism in America is nonexistent. Across the country, other states are introducing similar laws that ban the teaching of critical race theory and white supremacy concerning BIPOC in America.
Last month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a civics curriculum that would teach “foundational concepts,” but not “unsanctioned narratives like critical race theory,” reported the Associated Press.
A week ago, Idaho passed an “anti-discrimination” bill that was considered controversial because it prevents teachers from saying racism and sexism are responsible for the past, according to a report by Idaho News 6.
The bill introduced in Louisiana is the most recent attempt to whitewash history.
Garofalo said he modeled his bill after the Florida and Idaho bills, according to The Advocate. He said teaching history in its current form as “systematically racist or sexist… teaches, advocates, acts upon or promotes divisive concepts.”
He advocates that his bill will “take politics out of the classroom.”
“I have no doubt there are certain factions in this country that are trying to infiltrate and indoctrinate our students,” Garofalo said. He went on to add that critical race theory “furthers racism and fuels hate.”
Though he faced a lot of pushback on the bill, Garofalo still has a leg to stand on. The House committee votes resulted in seven yeas and seven nays, which keeps his sh***y bill alive for now.
