An Essay on Race and Racial Education

If you've been following the latest news, then perhaps you've heard of something called Critical Race Theory, or CRT.  This is an academic concept that attempts to discuss the issue and history of race (as it applies to America) (1).  

CRT has ignited a firestorm of sorts; many parents have engaged in heated debates with educators over its teachings.  Frankly, I share the concerns of these parents.  Personally, I have no problem with Connecticut schools teaching the history of race and racial relations.  I think that this is a subject that should be examined under a critical light.  

The issue, then, is with the specific ideas that CRT advances:

• America is a racist nation, and has been from its founding.  

• Being black or having black skin makes you better than others who are not black.

• The best way to address racial issues is to practice Communist principles.  

Yes, this is what is currently being taught in our public school systems (2).  And it's not so much of a new concept as it might seem to be.  Unfortunately, the idea of division based on race (as well as other factors) was being discussed a long time ago.  

Twenty-some years ago, I was a senior at what was then known as Fairfield High School.  At the time, there were certain classes that the state required students to take.  One of these was a course called "Islamic Studies"; it included lessons about the history and religious beliefs of Islam.  

As surprising as it might be that this was a state-mandated course, what was taught in that class was even more shocking.  I can still clearly recall something that my teacher, a female Dr. Kelly, once said (in the process of lecturing the class):

"Islam is a religion of peace, and Roman Catholicism is a cult" 

The really scary thing is that as a student, you were expected to agree with statements such as this.  If you questioned them, you would likely find yourself with a failing grade.  And sure, you could perhaps opt out of the class; just not if you ever anticipated graduating.  

I fear that this sort of thing is still happening in our schools.  That is, students are being told that if they want to pass a course, they must say what the teachers want to hear (3).  

These days, that is most likely "all cops are bastards", "(only) black lives matter", and "America was never great".  

Maybe it's time we taught our children not to judge people based on the color of their skin, but instead on "the content of their character" (4).  

Sources:

1. Papp, Justin. “In Greenwich Some Parents Say Critical Race Theory Is Taught in Public Schools. But What Is CRT?” Greenwich Time, 5 June 2021, www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Battle-heats-up-in-Greenwich-as-some-parents-say-16226679.php.

2. Kilgannon, Meg. “Connecticut Parents Oust School Board Members over CRT.” Family Research Council, 29 July 2021, www.frc.org/updatearticle/20210729/connecticut-school.

3. “Social Studies Curriculum; United States History, Grade 11.” Fairfield Public Schools, 17 May 2016, cdn.fairfieldschools.org/curriculum/ss-2016/final/US_History.pdf.

4. “I Have a Dream”, originally given by Martin Luther King Jr., 28 August 1963.  Via American Rhetoric; Top 100 Speeches. 20 Aug. 2020, www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm.