State Sen. Barfoot: 100% chance Critical Race Theory bill considered by legislature — ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’

Last month, State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) announced he was bringing legislation that would take on what some are referring to as Critical Race Theory in state government institutions and in Alabama’s public education.

He will have an ally in State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), who could spearhead the effort in the legislature’s upper chamber.

During an interview with Mobile radio’s FM Talk 106.5 on Tuesday, Barfoot said there was a “100%” likelihood the legislature would consider a bill on the issue. He also dismissed critics who claim Critical Race Theory was not a threat to Alabama’s public schools and pointed to the recent controversy in Mountain Brook as proof.

“[S]ome of the pushback has been, ‘Well, why are we addressing that in Alabama? It’s not really happening,'” he said. “Well, number one — I don’t think that’s accurate. There’s an ongoing battle going on up in Mountain Brook, not in my area but Mountain Brook has gotten the same thing. I think you maybe have seen it by another name. Maybe not by the Critical Race Theory name within our universities. And that will start to permeate through our high schools, junior highs. And then ultimately — you know, the old saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ I certainly believe that. Just because it may not be as widespread in Alabama as it is in other states, rest assured, it’s on its way. And so, I just think it is common sense.”

Barfoot added, “Just because you’re a male or a female doesn’t mean that you’re an oppressed or oppressor, black or white. It doesn’t mean you’re evil or bad just because you’re white or just because you’re black. I think that is something we should all be able to agree on, pretty simple. It should be common sense. And I think, unfortunately, we may have to legislate that. I look forward to having that debate and I’ve been asked to possibly carry Representative Oliver’s bill in the Senate and look forward to doing that if called upon.”

@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.