PIERRE, S.D.(KJJQ)- The House Education Committee passes Governor Kristi Noem’s bill that would ban the teaching of Critical Race Theory in South Dakota’s schools and public universities.

Among those testifying in favor of the measure, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Carson.

Sister Lynn Marie Welbig of the Presentation Sisters says this bill will stifle teachers.

The measure has the backing of the South Dakota Board of Regents. Their General Counsel Nathan Lukkes says there has been a lot of noise around this bill.

Opponents say the bill will cause faculty to self-censor for fear they might get in trouble.

The entire first section of the bill that dealt with feelings of discomfort or psychological distress was removed. The amended measure passed 13-2 and now moves to the House floor.