Race theory hijacked and used to attack legit education

EDITORIAL

In recent months, a heated debate has arisen over how the complicated history of race in America should be taught in our local public schools. At the center of the controversy is critical race theory, an academic concept developed in the 1970s that frames American history through the lens of systemic racism. The coursework is usually studied at the college and graduate school level. (See our Page 1 story.)

Over the past year, CRT has become a catchall term for any lesson plan that involves ethnicity, equity or even social and emotional learning. Contrary to what some people believe, CRT is not part of the local school curriculum, although conversations about some of its concepts inevitably occur in history, social studies and humanities classrooms.

Critics of CRT say the concept teaches students to become anti-American and to hold the white race in contempt over the sins of its past. As a result, Education Week reports that more than two dozen states have introduced bills or taken other steps to restrict education that teaches students about racism and bias. We think a better approach is to allow teachers to have an age-appropriate and balanced conversation with their students about America’s record on race. Not permitting the conversation to be held does a disservice to education. Students must be informed about the nation’s failings with regard to race relations, so they can think critically for themselves.

The Ventura County Office of Education gives local districts the option of developing their own ethnic studies courses, keeping in mind that the courses are not synonymous with critical race theory. A discussion about the theory may or may not be included in a district’s ethnic studies program—but that decision is made by local school board members, the office said.

Per state law, local schools have revamped their curricula to include the historical contributions of diverse groups—including African Americans, Latinos, women and the LGBT community—to reflect a more honest and complete picture of our country’s history.

The Las Virgenes school district pursues a balanced ethnic studies program, but it has nothing to do with critical race theory and CRT’s putative disdain for white America. (Recently, the district policies came under attack.) We think parents have a right to know what schools are teaching, especially when it comes to controversial issues such as race relations and sex education. But it’s imperative for people to become informed first—and not just react to the rumors and rhetoric being spewed by both sides of the political spectrum on television and social media.

If you have questions, meet with teachers when school resumes in August to discuss your child’s lesson plans and find out how your students’ queries relating to race and equity will be addressed. Also be sure to attend school board meetings, where you can ask questions and learn what the district’s policies truly are.

Our students thrive on an educational system that is open, unbiased and informative. We’re confident there’s a structure for that, and it’s already in place.