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SALT LAKE CITY House and Senate Republicans passed resolutions against the teaching of critical race theory in Utah schools and supporting the idea of declaring the state a "Second Amendment Sanctuary."

WATCH: Utah parents, activists disagree over Critical Race Theory curriculum

The votes capped off a dramatic day on Utah's Capitol Hill, where some lawmakers walked off the floor in protest and conservative activists demonstrated at a news conference of Black community leaders.

As the House was voting on its resolution on critical race theory, every single Democrat in the chamber walked out leaving Republicans to pass it alone. House Minority Leader Brian King complained that Democrats were not consulted on any of the resolutions and they objected in particular to the one about critical race theory.

"What this about is an attempt or a first step in assuring that my history and the history of many people of color are not taught in the school system," said Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake City, the legislature's only Black lawmaker.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, said the resolution merely called on Utah's school system to evaluate their curriculum.

"Were calling on the state school board to look at the curriculum and determine what are the right parameters for this discussion to happen," he said.

Critical race theory is the idea that systemic racism is built into the fabric of American society. It is not currently taught in Utah schools. Lawmakers have been flooded with emails and voicemails from constituents opposed to teaching it. Governor Spencer Cox declined to put it and the Second Amendment Sanctuary bill on the agenda for Wednesday's special session, which was largely about COVID-19 federal money.

But Republican leaders on Capitol Hill felt the issue was urgent, so they took the rare step of calling themselves into an extraordinary session to pass resolutions. Because of the way they were doing it, the House and Senate had to run their own resolutions.

Outside on the Capitol steps, members of the Utah Educational Equity Coalition stood and called for the resolutions to be put on hold.

"There seems to be so much misinformation out there about what CRT is and isnt," said Michelle Love-Day, a member of the group.

As Love-Day spoke, protesters opposed to critical race theory stood behind them holding up signs condemning it. Coalition members then stepped between Love-Day and the protesters in an effort to act as a buffer. The protesters raised their anti-CRT signs over their heads.

"CRT is a very divisive and destructive theory," said Monica Wilbur, who held a sign opposing CRT. "It turns people into the oppressed or the oppressors."

Opponents of the theory argue that it elevates one race over another. Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, who sponsored the Senate version of the resolution, said it was his desire to have the legislature study the issue. But he did not support CRT being in the curriculum. He acknowledged there are different definitions of what it is.

Resolutions are merely statements from the legislature and have no force of law, but both issues are expected to return in the 2022 session.

Betty Sawyer, the head of Ogden's branch of the NAACP, said they need to be invited to the table to be heard.

"Why wouldnt you include a diversity of people to talk about race?" she told FOX 13. "That baffles my mind to have a conversation without that."

The legislature also accepted $1.65 billion in federal COVID-19 relief money, banned face mask mandates in the fall in Utah schools, extended the state of emergency for drought, and passed a resolution recognizing Utah's Asian American and Pacific Islander community and condemning anti-Asian hate crimes.

Sen. Jani Iwamoto, D-Salt Lake City, said she hoped that resolution serves as "a call to action as well as meaningful and transformational change."

Asked about considering it on the same day the legislature passed resolutions supporting a ban on any discussions of critical race theory, Senate President J. Stuart Adams insisted they were not exclusive.

"You cant elevate and you surely cant demean another person because of their race," he told reporters. "Theyre so consistent. It is the same."

On the Second Amendment Sanctuary, the legislature is stating its desire to protect Utahns' gun rights in the face of the Biden administration. The resolution's sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, acknowledged they have seen no specific federal policies yet to object to.

"Admittedly there are none, but unfortunately theres been some saber-rattling in Washington D.C.," he said.

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Legislature passes resolutions on critical race theory, 2nd Amendment sanctuary - fox13now.com

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Theres a new challenger for Peorias 46th State Senate District.

U.S. Navy Veteran Corey Allen is running as a Republican against Democratic Incumbent Dave Koehler.

Corey Allen spoke with WMBDs Matt Sheehan about how he thinks his career in the military will translate into public office. He hopes to be the Peoria areas State Senator come 2022.

Allen spent nearly five years in the U.S. Navy. He spent time in Security Forces. Hes also a Crisis Response Team member for PCAV (Peoria Community Against Violence).

He spent two years in Japan, two years in Iceland, and was based in on the U.S.S. Tarawa outside of San Diego where he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The time I spent there really gave me an opportunity to gain the discipline and structure needed to manage crisis, Allen said. When things go wrong, when chaos ensues, youre looking for that calm in the storm. In the military, people came to me when they were at their worst, in the military.

Allen is currently the CEO of the Central Illinois Veteran Warriors, a hockey team full of veterans. The goal of the organization is to provide a healthy outlet for veterans. Whether its to battle PTSD, a love of the game of hockey, or just a place to build community.

A few years ago a group of veterans got together at a random skate in Bloomington and it just blossomed, Allen said. I was very fortunate and blessed to be chosen to organize this group.

The group started with six members and now has 35.

Having that outlet both on the ice and off the ice has been such a huge component in my own personal growth mentally and physically, Allen said.

Allen said as State Senator he wants to address community safety, education, infrastructure, small business, and protecting the Second Amendment.

Were trying to disarm legal citizens instead of going after the people that dont need weapons in the first place, Allen said. Going after that issue and figuring that out will help us figure everything else. Small businesses dont want to be in a place where theres high crime, families dont feel safe in an area with high crime.

In order to figure out how to remove guns from criminals hands, taking them away from legal citizens is not the answer, Allen added.

We need to focus on family health. The pandemic has shown that, Allen said. We need to get back to the basis that we need to take care of ourselves first.

Allen said throughout history, education is the thing that fixes everything.

Coming from a family of teachers, my mom was a professor of nursing, education has always been at the forefront. While Ive taken a non-traditional route, I absolutely value education and we need to focus on that as a whole and at an individualistic level, Allen said.

If we dont have good schools, good roads and sidewalks, were putting people at risk, Allen added.

Small business is always going to be the backbone of our country and theyve taken too big a hit during this pandemic, Allen said. With the lack of resources and support from government officials, both federally and locally. With that structure and discipline I gained in the military, I can go in and help the small business understand what assets and resources are available.

Allen said its time to simplify, support, and secure their present and future so we can provide jobs.

Allen said he wants to promote the law and order structure in the State of Illinois.

In order to do that, we need to figure out the police situation, Allen, who is third-generation law enforcement, said.

Allen said he wants to also enhance community-policing.

Im always going to back the blue. We need to figure out how to stem the violence. Were taxing our police force which in turn, taxes our tax money. If we want to fix the economy, we need to fix small businesses and create resources for people. We need to stop the violence, Allen said.

We need integrity. Honor, courage, and commitment. Those are the core values of the United States Navy, Allen said those values are embedded in him.

Allen said theres too much violence, not enough opportunity, too much tax.

Allen cited a CBS News article ranking Peoria one of the deadliest cities in the U.S. as well as the 24/7 Wall Street article ranking Peoria the worst city for African-Americans.

What are we doing if were not trying to fix that situation? Allen asked. Along with prosecuting the crime that happens, we need to have outlets for the young individuals who need some type of constructive outlet for that energy.

Allen said a key component is listening to Illinoisans.

People are tired of not being heard, Allen said. Politicians hear what they say, but they dont listen. I want to show up for the people, be a voice for them.

You can find Coreys professional State Senate Facebook page here.

Next week On the Record, Sheehan will host Peorias fourth district councilman, Andre Allen, live on WMBD This Morning on Tuesday, May 25.

Excerpt from:
U.S. Navy Veteran running for State Senate wants to address community safety, education, protect Second Amendment rights - CIProud.com

Kane County Commission presenting extra miler awards. Commissioner Heaton, Bert Reeve, Nick Hoyt, Sheriff Tracy Glover, Commissioner Chamberlain.

Kane County Commission presenting extra miler awards. Commissioner Heaton, Bert Reeve, Nick Hoyt, Sheriff Tracy Glover, Commissioner Chamberlain.

The Kane County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, May 11, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kane County Courthouse.

The meeting opened with a public comment period. All comments were made with regard to a petition requesting that the commission pass an ordinance declaring Kane County a second amendment sanctuary county. The petition, which was started by Judy Wooley, has collected 237 signatures.

Wooley commented first, stating that the reason for an ordinance versus a resolution is [that] ... an ordinance would actually put some teeth into it in terms of having people protect us and our rights.

Susan King, a Kanab resident, agreed with Wooley that resolutions ... are symbolic and not enforceable suggesting that Kane County pass either an ordinance making the county a second amendment sanctuary or pass an ordinance similar to one recently passed by Iron County, which created a constitutional review panel consisting of the county attorney, the sheriff, and a commissioner. Such a panel, according to King, would establish that Kane County would nullify any unconstitutional legislation. King cited a quote from Sheriff Jared Rigby of Wasatch County as an example of what signers of the petition are asking from the commission: Whereas Wasatch County Council seeks to promote confidence in the local government by unequivocally recognizing the United States Constitution as supreme law of the land, including the Bill of Rights and its other accompanying amendments.

Jeff Schwilk, a member of a local gun rights group, said he received 63 responses in support of an ordinance in an online survey through the Kanab Patriots Facebook page.

Mark Kubeja, said, We need an ordinance to protect us from what this administration is pushing on America ... this is what protects us from tyrants.

Charles Wooley commented that if the commission opts to form a constitutional committee like Iron County that it include citizens who are knowledgeable in the entire Constitution in addition to county officials.

Following the public comment period, the commission approved the consent agenda, check edit report and meeting minutes from the previous meeting on April 27, before entering into the regular session.

Carrie Schonlaw, the Deputy Director of Aging and Human Services for the five Southwest counties, discussed the program and its use of funding. Our role is to look at the supports and services and needs in local communities and then help those local communities in addressing those needs, Schonlaw said. The Five County Area Agency on Aging works with local counties to determine the needs of the local senior citizen population. Its role includes providing training and technical support, and funnelling state and federal funds to the counties. Supporting services provided by the agency include transportation assistance, check-ins, activity coordination when the senior centers are open, and resource education.

Rhonda Gant and Sheriff Tracy Glover awarded two Extra Miler awards to correctional officer Bert Reed and nurse Nick Hoyt for their handling of the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in the Kane County jail.

The Commission discussed the petition for the second amendment ordinance, agreeing to draft the ordinance with the county attorney and citizen input and put it on the next meetings agenda.

The Commission approved an ordinance adopting the amended East Zion Community Reinvestment Project area plan as approved by the Kane County Redevelopment Agency as the official community reinvestment project area plan for the project area and directing that notice of the adopted amendments be given as required by statute.

The Commission approved the disposal of county equipment no longer in use.

The Commission approved an agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture forest service and Kane County law enforcement.

The Commission approved several requests from the Office of Tourism, including a proposed equipment deposit schedule for events equipment, the donation or sale of old and unused equipment, a list of shuttle drivers, and a local fee increase for use of the Kanab Center.

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County Commission considers ordinance to become a Second Amendment sanctuary county | by Olivia Weissblum | May 20, 2021 | News - Southern Utah News

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake City, speaks, standing with other House Democrats who walked out of the House Chamber as Republicans moved to debate resolution on teaching critical race theory in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

| May 20, 2021, 10:36 p.m.

| Updated: 10:44 p.m.

Utah lawmakers meet in a special session to allocate federal coronavirus relief funds but guns, masks and critical race theory end up on the agenda as well. Plus, with the best record in basketball, the Utah Jazz head to the NBA playoffs. How far can the team go?

At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt Lake Tribune reporters Bethany Rodgers and Eric Walden, along with news columnist Robert Gehrke, join KCPWs Roger McDonough to talk about the weeks top stories.

Every Friday at 9 a.m., stream Behind the Headlines at kcpw.org, or tune in to KCPW 88.3 FM or Utah Public Radio for the broadcast. Join the live conversation by calling 801-355-TALK.

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'Behind the Headlines': Masks, Second Amendment Sanctuary, critical race theory and the Utah Jazz to be discussed - Salt Lake Tribune

There are over a dozen Second Amendment sanctuary cities in Idaho, but an Oregon county's declaration poses questions about if state law can supersede federal law.

BOISE, Idaho "Second Amendment sanctuary city" is a term that has been more relevant in Idaho in recent years, especially as several Idaho cities have declared themselves to be one within the last year.

As a Second Amendment sanctuary, any state or federal laws thought to infringe on a person's right to bear arms will not be enforced in said state, city or county.

The City of Star declared itself a second amendment sanctuary city in July 2020, followed by Eagle in September 2020 and Cascade and Saint Anthony in October 2020.

Nampa added its name to the list at the end of last year, and Kuna and Hagerman began 2021 with the same declarations.

There are currently more than a dozen Second Amendment sanctuary cities and counties in Idaho.

The Second Amendment sanctuary movement gained momentum in 2018 when the threat of stricter gun laws was being considered in the wake of several mass shootings across the country.

Last fall, about 400 locations in 20 states considered themselves a Second Amendment sanctuary. In 2021, there are about 1,200.

None of the current Second Amendment sanctuary cities have faced legal scrutiny until now. Columbia County, a small county north of Portland, Ore., narrowly passed an ordinance last year that stated county officials would not enforce most state, federal and local firearm regulations.

In addition, the ordinance stated that anyone who did enforce these regulations would be fined. Individuals would be fined $2,000 and corporations would be fined $4,000.

The ordinance did, however, allow exceptions, such as enforcing gun restrictions for felons.

The measure passed the Oregon legislature in November 2020, but state law allows a judge to look over the ordinance to ensure all sections are legal before putting it into effect.

Supporters of the ordinance are in favor of fewer regulations, while opponents argue that federal law supersedes state law and state constitutions.

There is currently no timeline on this determination, and the judge's decision will not influence laws outside Oregon. Some believe, however, the challenges presented in the Beaver State may influence Idaho's sanctuary cities.

In 2014, then-Gov. Butch Otter signed Senate Bill 1332, the Idaho Federal Firearms, Magazine and Register Ban Enforcement Act, into law. The bill passed the Idaho House 68-0 and the Idaho Senate 34-0.

SB 1332 was meant to protect Idaho law enforcement officers from being forced to violate their oath to uphold Idaho's Constitution. Specifically, Section 11, Article 1 mentions the right of the people to keep and bear arms, which shall not be abridged.

Idaho's Attorney General has not yet weighed in on the legality of such cities and counties, but Virginia's Attorney General said these declarations carry little to no legal force.

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Can Idaho cities and counties legally declare themselves to be 'Second Amendment sanctuaries'? - KTVB.com