CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Across the country, Republicans and Democrats are clashing over what schools should and shouldn’t teach when it comes to systemic racism.

This all stems from the critical race theory which is an academic approach on how racism functions in American institutions.

Republicans believe the critical race theory will divide Americans, while democrats believe examining the root cause of disparity in the country is the only way to move forward.

Racism is a much-debated topic in the wake of police brutality, protests and racial injustices. The critical race theory is shaping up to be a major cultural battle ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong at all with learning all of history and you have to accept the good and the bad,” Del. Mike Pushkin, who is a Democrat for Kanawha County said.

Some Republicans argue the theory unfairly forces students to consider race and racism. In 2020, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning federal contractors from conducting certain racial sensitivity trainings. It was challenged in court, and President Biden rescinded the order the day he took office.

“I don’t want to see future West Virginians and future Americans growing up thinking that everyone is hateful, that everyone is looking to oppress others,” Josh Holstein, who is a Republican for Boone County said.  

Del. Holstein says he thinks the debate is mostly centered around how children develop.

“When you’re in school and as a young child, your worldview is being formed and you want to have children that are educated and are smart and know the past and can work towards the future,” Del. Holstein said.

However, some democrats say the way to move forward is for all Americans to accept the ugly truth.

“It’s about teaching what actually happened. Let’s teach real history,” Del. Pushkin said.

States like Idaho and Oklahoma have adopted laws that limit how public school teachers can talk about race in the classroom, and similar bills are before nearly half a dozen state legislatures including Ohio.