User:Orlady/Divisive concepts

Divisive concepts are topics that are restricted or prohibited from inclusion in instruction and training in schools or workplaces by governmental laws and regulations introduced in the United States of America in the early 2020s. Topics identified as "divisive concepts" are related primarily to race and sex, including but not limited to content criticized as critical race theory.

According to the Association of Research Libraries, the earliest divisive concepts regulation was Executive Order 13950, titled "Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping," signed by President Donald Trump in 2020. This Executive Order applied to diversity, equity, and inclusion training conducted by U.S. federal government agencies and contractors. It was repealed by President Joe Biden on his first day in office in January 2021. It barred training from including "stereotyping" and "scapegoating" based on race or sex. Specific content prohibited by the order included training that: (a) one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex; (b) an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously; (c) an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her race or sex; (d) members of one race or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect to race or sex; (e) an individual's moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex; (f) an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex; (g) any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex; or (h) meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular race to oppress another race.

Beginning in 2021, "divisive concepts" legislation aimed at restricting instruction in public schools and universities was introduced in state legislatures in multiple states, largely supported by conservative legislators.

Related: Stop WOKE Act, John Ragan