Minnesota Governor’s Controversial Appointment Stirs Educational Policy Debate

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faces backlash over his appointment of a controversial professor to an education working group, sparking debate about the future of education in the state.

At a Glance

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appointed Brian Lozenski to an “ethnic studies” working group
Lozenski, a critical race theory advocate, has made controversial statements about overthrowing the U.S. government
Republican Rep. Jim Banks is calling for an investigation into Lozenski’s appointment
The working group is tasked with creating ethnic studies standards by October 31
The appointment has ignited a debate about educational policy and ideology in Minnesota

Controversial Appointment Raises Concerns

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has come under fire for his recent appointment of Brian Lozenski to a working group on “ethnic studies” within the state’s Department of Education. Lozenski, an associate professor at Macalester College and a vocal advocate for critical race theory, has sparked controversy due to his past statements suggesting that the United States should be “overthrown” because it is “irreversibly racist.”

The appointment has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, with Indiana Representative Jim Banks leading the charge for an investigation into Lozenski’s role. Banks has addressed his concerns to Jennifer Hoppenstedt, the interim inspector general of the Minnesota Department of Education, highlighting the potential impact of Lozenski’s views on the state’s educational policies.

Lozenski’s Controversial Statements

At the heart of the controversy are Lozenski’s own words, captured in a video from June 2022. In the recording, Lozenski discusses critical race theory and makes statements that have alarmed many conservatives and parents concerned about the direction of education in Minnesota.

“We don’t use critical race theory in school. The first tenet of critical race theory is that the United States, as constructed, is irreversibly racist. So, if the nation state, as constructed, is irreversibly racist, then it must be done with. It must be overthrown” – Brian Lozenski

Lozenski further emphasized his position, stating, “You can’t be a critical race theorist and be pro-U.S. OK, it is an anti-state theory that says the United States needs to be deconstructed, period.” These statements have raised questions about the compatibility of Lozenski’s views with his role in shaping educational standards for Minnesota’s students.

The Working Group’s Mandate

The ethnic studies working group, to which Lozenski has been appointed, has been tasked with creating new standards for ethnic studies in Minnesota schools. With a deadline of October 31, the group’s work could have far-reaching implications for the state’s educational curriculum. Lozenski’s involvement in advocating for Minnesota House bill 1502, which established the working group, has only intensified scrutiny of his appointment.

Rep. Jim Banks expressed his concerns in a letter to the Minnesota Department of Education, stating, “[Brian Lozenski] has clearly explained, publicly and on video, that he supports the deconstruction and overthrow of the United States because our nation is irredeemably racist and evil. This is a radical and destructive worldview, that, because of Governor Walz’s recent signing of Minnesota’s education law, will be taught to thousands of children across your state” – Source

Lozenski’s Background and Influence

Brian Lozenski’s credentials include founding Education for Liberation Minnesota, an organization promoting ethnic studies in public schools. He is also the author of a book on Black education and serves on the editorial board of Ethnic Studies Pedagogies. These qualifications have likely contributed to his appointment but have also intensified the debate surrounding his role in shaping Minnesota’s educational future.

As the controversy unfolds, Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Education face mounting pressure to address concerns about Lozenski’s appointment and its potential impact on the state’s educational policies. The situation underscores the challenges of balancing diverse perspectives in educational reform efforts and highlights the ongoing debate about the role of critical race theory in public education.