AEJMC Resolution Four 2022
Anti-Critical Race Theory Laws
CONTACT:
Samantha Higgins, AEJMC Communications Director, 803-798-0271
Deb Aikat, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, AEJMC president
Resolution Four:
Whereas, as part of its mission the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (AEJMC) promotes the implementation of a multi-cultural society in the classroom and curriculum; and
Whereas, the association works to defend and maintain freedom of communication in an effort to achieve a better-informed public; and
Whereas, Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an intellectual and social movement begun in legal studies in the late 1980s based on the idea that racism is inherent in law and legal institutions insofar as they function to create and maintain social, economic, and political inequalities between white and non-whites; and
Whereas, mass communication educators are charged with preparing students who can produce news and strategic communication content related to CRT; and
Whereas, courses that focus on mass communication theories and research should include CRT as one potential approach to producing scholarship; and
Whereas, state legislatures recently have considered legislation that bans or limits Critical Race Theory from being discussed in classroom settings, including those at universities; and
Whereas, Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) accrediting standards mandate continuing education for faculty in diversity, equity, and inclusion;
Whereas, to achieve compliance with those accrediting standards, units are expected to demonstrate the impact of faculty professional development aimed at enhancing their ability to teach courses related to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
BE it resolved that AEJMC divisions and interest groups be encouraged to continue sponsoring research and teaching panels and programming that educates members about what Critical Race Theory is and its application to education and research in mass communication; and continue to educate faculty members about ways to respond to legislation that serves to restrict viewpoint diversity in the classroom;
AND AEJMC members or mass communication units should provide faculty training on educating students about issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion which may include CRT.
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