Black Senators hold up Missouri GOP’s critical race theory legislation

Black Democrats in the Missouri Senate held the chamber for roughly three hours Wednesday as they condemned a Republican-sponsored bill targeting diversity training and race curriculum.

The debate at times got heated, such as when Democratic Sen. Barbara Washington accused Republican Sen. Rick Brattin of disrespectfully interrupting her during a discussion of the nation’s history and civil rights.

“This is why kids need to learn this,” she said, accusing Brattin of racial and gender bias.

The interruptions continuing and Washington’s irritation mounting, the legislator presiding over the Senate pounded the gavel ordering them to settle.

Because no Black senators serve on the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee, Wednesday’s discussion was the first time this year they were able to bring their perspectives to the bill publicly.

It also happened to be the first day of Black History Month.