The New Academic Racism

by Patrick McIlheran

How hard is it to forbid schools from teaching racism — from teaching children that one race is inherently superior to another race?



It should be easy. No one favors racism. No villain is so universally booed as a racist. No accusation so swiftly makes one an outcast. We’re all anti-racist.

Wisconsin school districts already solemnly commit to racial justice. Our schools already recommend Ibram X. Kendi’s hit book “How to Be an Antiracist.”

Yet when the Legislature tried to identify the kinds of repellently racist ideas we all denounce and bar schools from teaching them, critics (and surprisingly, there were critics) shrieked and Gov. Tony Evers vetoed.

Read the full column here.

Why spend millions of taxpayer dollars on disinfectant robots if you’re going to keep cleaning the old-fashioned way? Remso and Diggings Editor Mark Lisheron discuss how “free” federal money incentivizes governments to buy things they don’t need – including a small army of $40,000-a-piece disinfection robots.

Listen to this episode by clicking here.

Weekly Survey

Should parents have a say in whether Critical Race Theory is taught to their children in public schools?

Sen. Patrick Testin and Rep. Tony Kurtz have circulated a bill (LRB 3530) that would establish an online dashboard tracking the state's receipt and expenditure of federal COVID-19 relief funds. The bill would require the Department of Administration to develop, maintain and update on a weekly basis a public, searchable online dashboard that would track:

1. The amount of federal COVID relief funds DOA anticipates that Wisconsin will receive.

2. The amount of federal COVID-19 relief funds accepted by the state.

3. The amount and purpose of these funds allocated to each state agency.

4. The amount and purpose of these funds allocated to each local government.

5. The amount and purpose of these funds expended by each state agency and an identification of the appropriation from which the funds were expended.

6. An identification of each vendor receiving these funds and the amount expended by each vendor.

Stronger Workforce Initiative

On Thursday, the Assembly passed the Stronger Workforce Initiative, a package of bills that would change eligibility requirements for public benefits programs. The bills include legislation that would require the Department of Health Services to reinstate time limits for FoodShare program benefits and implement work requirements. Another measure in the package would change eligibility requirements for the Medical Assistance program.

Restoring Legislative Oversight of Federal Funds

A proposed constitutional amendment that would restore the Legislature’s oversight of the expenditure of certain federal monies was passed by the Assembly Committee on Constitution and Ethics on Wednesday. During the Great Depression, the Legislature rescinded its constitutional spending authority when it came to funds provided by the federal government. Assembly Joint Resolution 112 would prohibit the Legislature from delegating this authority to the executive branch.

At a Glance

Upcoming Event

The “woke” political movement has invaded Wisconsin and Minnesota's public schools, turning them into ideological battlegrounds and threatening the quality of our children’s education. Our students deserve better. Join the Badger Institute and Center of the American Experiment on February 24th to learn more about how Critical Race Theory advances a leftist, anti-American agenda that radically changes how our children learn about their country. Most important, learn how parents can push back against the politicizing of our schools. The event will highlight examples of CRT in action, the “woke” movement that is transforming our education system, and equip parents with ways to fight back against ideologies that are harming our students.

This is a free event, but please click here to RSVP. Your reservation includes appetizers, beverages and all the materials you need to fight CRT in your community!

Remembering P.J. O'Rourke 1947-2022

• Wisconsin Right Now: Why Republicans should kill the Milwaukee Public Schools breakup bill — and do it now

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Nearly 90% of Wisconsin businesses say they are struggling to hire workers, according to survey. Many plan to raise pay.

• Washington Post: Inflation falls hardest on low-income Americans

• The Lakeland Times: Picking winners and losers the big government way

• National Review: The ugly vilification of 'freedom'

• The Atlantic: A simple plan to solve all of America's problems

Our work in advancing free markets, opportunity and prosperity in the Badger State is only made possible by generous donations from our supporters. We never have, and never will, accept government funding. Donate online or email Angela Smith, Director of Development. The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

A standard bearer of conservative thought in the Badger State, our biannual Diggings magazine takes an in-depth look at policy and cultural issues that affect Wisconsin residents. Click here to read Diggings.