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Lamborn Condemns Teaching of Critical Race Theory at United States Air Force Academy

July 7, 2021

Washington, D.C.- Critical race theory is a form of Marxist critical theory which views all human activity through the prism of race (rather than class), and teaches that race is the defining feature of our society. It holds that the United States is a nation founded on white supremacy, and divides everyone into "oppressor" or "oppressed" based on immutable characteristic such as race. Proponents of critical race theory believe that American institutions, including the Constitution and our legal system, are fundamentally racist and flawed. Congressman Lamborn has consistently fought against critical race theory. In March, he led a letter to Admiral Gilday opposing the inclusion of Ibram X. Kendi's book, How to Be an Antiracist, on the Navy's required reading list. In May, he led a letter to Acting Secretary Roth and General Raymond regarding their treatment of Space Force Lieutenant Colonel Lohmeier.

Congressman Lamborn issued the following statement in regards to the recent opinion piece by an Associate Professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy:

"Just two weeks ago, Secretary Austin testified before the House Armed Services Committee that critical race theory is not something being taught, pushed, or embraced in our military. I am deeply concerned that an associate professor at the United States Air Force Academy has enthusiastically endorsed teaching critical race theory to the future officer corps of our Space Force and Air Force. This is in direct violation of the clearly expressed intent of the Secretary of Defense. As a member of the United States Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors, I oppose teaching our cadets that the country they serve is fundamentally racist. Critical race theory is an anti-American ideology rooted in Marxism and has no place in any of our service academies."

Contact: Cassandra Sebastian (719) 520-0055