Gov. DeSantis appoints civil rights lawyer, critical race theory critic Kimberly Richey to Education Commission of the States

Kimberly Richey, a civil rights lawyer and high-ranking education administrator whose opposition to critical race theory (CRT) matches that of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is the newest member of the Education Commission of the States.

On Thursday, DeSantis appointed Richey to the commission, an interstate agency that translates research, advises states and acts as an idea-sharing platform for education leaders.

A news release from the Governor’s office did not specify whether Richey will replace someone from the commission’s Sunshine State members or if she would fill a vacancy. Florida statutes state the commission “shall consist of seven members representing each party state.” There are only six listed members from Florida now.