Critical race theory at center of heated debate at Fort Worth school board meeting
Residents packed the Fort Worth school board meeting on Tuesday over the teaching of “critical race theory.”
Hundreds of people attended the board room, with nearly 90 speaking either for or against the theory.
Participants speaking against critical race theory said its teaching is negatively indoctrinating their children and victimizes minority students.
Critical race theory is a school of thought originating in the 1970s and ‘80s that analyzes how racism impacts the U.S. and its various systems.
Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a bill that restricts how America’s history of racism can be taught in public schools.
No item pertaining to critical race theory was on the agenda during the board meeting. There is no class in the district that requires critical race theory. Of the district’s 82,000 students, 63% are Hispanic and 21% are Black.
Opponents of critical race theory wore Make America Great Again hats and t-shirts, were draped in American flags and held up signs calling the theory Marxist and proclaiming “Texas Parents Know Best.”
“CRT victimizes minorities, strips them of their self-worth,” said Fort Worth resident Walter Floyd. “CRT minimizes and villanizes hard-working people... CRT promotes racism, it’s divisive among our community [and] promotes fake guilt.”
Arlington resident Jonathan Roger said the critical race theory protesters have also spoken out at other school district board meetings in North Texas.
Roger said protesters marched from downtown to the meeting Tuesday night.
Those advocating for equitable education and speaking out against those protesting critical race theory said the teaching of racism and the negative aspects of America’s history is necessary to give children a complete education.
Former Fort Worth school teacher Shawn Lassiter said she has watched uninformed groups show up at board meetings and threaten school districts, but there is a coalition of residents and educators that are unafraid to discuss race.
“In fact, we have moved passed that,” she said. “We are seeking humanity in everything we do. And it’s your job to keep up the work. ... Do what we ask students to do everyday: defy the odds. Stand up for love and justice.”
This story was originally published June 22, 2021 at 7:02 PM.
