Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., is demanding an investigation into Brian Lozenski, a Minnesota professor appointed by Gov. Tim Walz’s administration to an education working group.
Banks slammed the appointment in a letter to the Minnesota Department of Education’s inspector general, calling Lozenski’s views “radical and destructive” and condemning his vocal support for “overthrowing” the United States.
“Unsurprisingly, a closer look at Mr. Lozenski’s past statements reveals radical political views that should disqualify him from working in public education and certainly from developing a statewide curriculum,” Banks wrote, Fox News reported.
Professor claims U.S. should be ‘overthrown’
Lozenski made the statements during a 2022 online event, first reported by National Review.
“The first tenet of critical race theory [CRT] is that the United States, as constructed, is irreversibly racist,” Lozenski said during the event. “So if the nation-state, as constructed, is irreversibly racist, then it must be done with. It must be overthrown, right?”
Lozenski, a professor of urban and multicultural education at Macalester College, argued that CRT isn’t merely about diversity but “overthrow” and insurgency, suggesting pro-American perspectives don’t fit within its framework.
“You can’t be a critical race theorist and be pro-U.S.,” Lozenski said.
Brian Lozenski, appointed by Gov. Tim Walz's administration to an ethnic studies working group, says the United States needs to be "overthrown" in a video unearthed by @NRO
"You can't be a critical race theorist and be pro-U.S. … and that's why I'm a critical race theorist." pic.twitter.com/SkGaKpPj05
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) September 25, 2024
His appointment to the Minnesota Department of Education’s Ethnic Studies Working Group —tasked with writing a “framework” for the state’s new ethnic studies courses—has intensified concerns about politically charged curriculum changes.
In his letter, Banks contended that Lozenski’s views should disqualify him from any role in shaping state education.
“Mr. Lozenski has clearly explained, publicly and on video, that he supports the deconstruction and overthrow of the United States because our nation is irredeemably racist and evil. This is a radical and destructive worldview that, because of Gov. Walz’s recent signing of Minnesota’s education law, will be taught to thousands of children across your state,” Banks wrote.
The working group’s final product is due Oct. 31, making Banks’ call for an investigation into Lozenski’s influence a last-minute push for action.
“I am calling on you to investigate Mr. Lozenski’s history of advocating for insurrection against the United States, and to investigate whether Mr. Lozenski’s radical, anti-America views influenced the Minnesota’s Ethnic Studies Working Group development of its Ethnic Studies framework,” Banks said.
Lozenski’s background extends beyond the classroom. He is an “organizer” for Education for Liberation Minnesota, which advocates for expanding ethnic studies in public schools and was involved in writing the state’s controversial social studies standards.
Alpha News reached out to Lozenski, Walz, and the Minnesota Department of Education for comment but did not receive a response.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
