Pence, targeting critical race theory, declares ‘America is not a racist nation’

During a trip that sparked more 2024 speculation, former Vice President Mike Pence dived directly into the latest battleground in the nation’s culture wars, as he took direct aim at critical race theory and spotlighted that “America is not a racist nation.”

Pence spoke out against critical race theory, which aims to combat racism by emphasizing that systemic racism is part of American society and takes aim at the beliefs that allow the nation to exist. It has become the latest cultural flashpoint, as Republican executives and lawmakers across the country move to prevent it from being taught in schools. At least five GOP-controlled state legislatures have passed bans on critical race theory or related topics in recent months, and conservatives in at least nine other states are pressing for similar measures. "One of the most disturbing developments of the past few months has been the Biden Administration's wholehearted embrace of the radical left's all-encompassing assault on American culture and values," Pence said. "Under the Biden Administration, patriotic education has been replaced with political indoctrination.