Kansas Bill Seeks to Ban Race Talk in College Courses

Proposed legislation aims to restrict discussions of critical race theory and other topics related to systemic racism and social justice.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Republican lawmakers in Kansas have proposed a bill that would prohibit public colleges and universities from teaching courses that include topics such as critical race theory, whiteness, systemic racism, anti-racism, and social justice. The bill also requires colleges to provide orientation programs on free speech and viewpoint diversity. Professors and experts argue the bill is confusing, contradictory, and an attempt to whitewash American history by suppressing discussions of racial oppression and discrimination.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation raises concerns about academic freedom and the ability of professors to teach important historical and social topics related to race, gender, and inequality. Critics argue the bill is an attempt by conservative lawmakers to limit discussions of systemic racism and social justice issues on college campuses.

The details

The bill, known as H.B. 2428 or the "Freedom from Indoctrination Act," would prohibit public colleges and universities in Kansas from teaching courses that include topics such as critical race theory, whiteness, systemic racism, anti-racism, and social justice. The bill also requires all freshmen to receive an orientation program on free speech and viewpoint diversity. However, the bill does allow for the discussion of "historical movements, ideologies or instances of racial hatred or discrimination, including, but not limited to, slavery, Indian removal, the Holocaust or Japanese American internment." Professors argue this is contradictory, as discussing these historical events would require addressing topics like systemic racism and white supremacy, which the bill seeks to ban.

  • The bill was proposed and a hearing was held in early February 2026.

The players

Kristey Williams

Republican state representative from Augusta, Kansas, who co-sponsored the bill and testified in support of it, referring to it as the "Freedom from Indoctrination Act."

Jamila Jefferson

Law professor at the University of Kansas who spoke against the bill, arguing that it is impossible to teach history or the Constitution without discussing race and racial issues.

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What they’re saying

“You can't even talk about the Constitution of the United States without talking about race. It is not possible to teach history of any sort without talking about race.”

— Jamila Jefferson, Law Professor, University of Kansas (kansascity.com)

“It doesn't make any sense. You can't talk about the movement of indigenous people without talking about white supremacy, you can't talk about slavery without talking about racial hatred. You can't talk about the internment of Japanese Americans without talking about the fact that German Americans were not interned.”

— Jamila Jefferson, Law Professor, University of Kansas (kansascity.com)

“It remains imperative to promote a diversity of ideas, rather than promote a favored political or ideological viewpoint.”

— Kristey Williams, Republican State Representative, Kansas (kansascity.com)

What’s next

The Kansas legislature will continue to debate the proposed bill, and if passed, it could face legal challenges from professors and civil rights groups who argue it violates academic freedom and the First Amendment.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing debate over how to teach about race, racism, and social justice issues in higher education. While proponents argue it is necessary to promote a diversity of viewpoints, critics contend the bill is an attempt to whitewash history and suppress discussions of systemic inequalities.