Tennessee becomes latest state to ban 'divisive' critical race theory in public schools - joining Oklahoma, Idaho and Arkansas Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed into law a bill banning critical race theory from being taught in schools on Monday Lee has said students should learn about American exceptionalism rather than divisive topics A handful of other states are currently debating, or in the process of approving, similar bills Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color Supporters, however, say the theory is vital to eliminating racism because it examines the ways in which race influence US politics, culture and the law