PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Board of Regents approved a statement and action plan Thursday that positions the universities as “places of opportunity” for all students.
Regents Counsel Nathan Lukkes outlined the plan to the board at their meeting in Pierre. Lukkes say over the last few years, the board has engaged in conversations on intellectual diversity, civics and history, as well as diversity and inclusion efforts.
Regent Tony Venhuizen, who is a former chief of staff to Governor Kristin Noem, says its not about any theory or philosophy.
“Critical Race Theory isn’t the basis for instruction at South Dakota’s public universities and it won’t be.”
That was the remark from Venhuizen moments before the Board passed a statement known as “Opportunity for All.”
He says it’s about “educating students about the American position in the world.”
The board hopes the statement will provide clear direction on their position and approach to topics that have garnered recent national attention.
On May 25, Governor Noem sent a letter to the board asking them to investigate how and whether critical race theory is taught at any of the state’s six public universities.
