Arthur C. Donart, Ph. D. wrote this essay.
There was considerable focus in the media over the recent Governor’s race in Virginia, and rightly so. The GOP candidate, Glen Youngkin, promised that if voters elected him, he would, “on day one” (trite cliché) abolish the teaching of Critical Race Theory in grades kindergarten through grade 12. There are two problems with Youngkin’s vacuous promise.
First problem: Critical Race Theory is not, nor never has been, taught in grades K-12. It is only taught in some Universities. “Abolishing” something that does not exist is a real feat! Unfortunately, the second problem was a disaster for Youngkin’s opponent, Terry McAuliffe. A vast majority of Virginia voters had no real idea what Critical Race Theory is. However, they expressed being against it!
Ignorance creates opportunity for mischief. Unscrupulous individuals took advantage by circulating myths about how harmful Critical Race Theory is–well could be–to their children. It was alleged that CRT was making white children feel bad, because their ancestors may have owned slaves. OMG, “There is no Santa Clause!” True, and no Critical Race Theory in grades K-12 either!
The mischievous result? Out of a fear that their children would be hurt, many voters were influenced by Youngkin’s ineffectual pledge.
Denying that there is Critical Race Theory being taught in grades K-12 is a rather weak defense, because supposed teaching of CRT is a very emotional issue. More challenging, yet better, is a strategy of educating people about what Critical Race Theory actually is and how it could benefit everyone.
Like Women’s Studies, CRT has its origin in the Civil Rights Movement. CRT is a more narrow study of the effects of law upon minorities. Historically, it would examine the effects the laws in existence had upon Italian and Irish minorities. It would focus on examining how laws today impact the lives of Black, Asian, and Latino/na minorities.
This involves research and studies for students seeking advanced degrees. Hardly kindergarten stuff! Yet, on Sunday, November 7, Republican Senator from Florida, Rick Scott, stated on “Meet the Press,” that Republicans will stop the “indoctrination” of our students by Critical Race Theory. Unfortunately, the moderator, Chuck Todd, did not ask him to name one instance where this has happened. That statement is a blatant attack on the teaching profession.
I was teaching at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL, when, in 1970, San Diego State College first offered Women’s Studies. OMG, “We can’t have teachers teaching this in K-12. They’re teaching kids to hate their mothers!” Fortunately, such nonsense never came up.
The National Organization for Women was and still is the Civil Rights Organization for women. I joined it in 1972. The curriculum for Women’s Studies focused on the contributions made to society by women, as well as the hardships and discrimination women faced–and still face today.
Then in 1973, I was appointed to serve on the Illinois Commission on the Status of Women. (I was the only male member.) The purpose of the Commission was to make recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly, to assist in eliminating the barriers that keep women from succeeding, and in achieving the same rights as men.
Critical Race Theory has the potential to help us achieve a more just and peaceful society. Evidently, that is something the Republican Party opposes. Their strategy is to capitalize on ignorance, create fear, an blame the other party for any disaster that results. OMG.