We have heard from many that Diversity Equity and Inclusion is not the same as Critical Race Theory (CRT) and that CRT is not being taught in the Hollis or Brookline schools. Based on the teacher training records obtained and posted below, there is evidence that CRT principles and foundational beliefs are present. CRT is based on the premises that America awards privilege to white people of Western Civilization origin and that America’s organizing principle is oppressor vs oppressed. DEI does not, in and of itself, charge systemic racism and white privilege but insists that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion must inform all activities to assure that racism is not at work. Training that asserts systemic racism, oppressor/oppressed and white privilege is therefore, a product of CRT added to DEI. “Anti-Racism” is a term that when used by Ibram X. Kendi (author of “How to be an Anti-Racist”) means something very different; his position calls for active anti-racist racism to be used to correct perceived inequities. It is extremely necessary to be thoughtful, careful and informed when critiquing DEI training programs for CRT influence. Scroll down to view the descriptions of the trainings and the comments made by district employees about the training. Based on this information it seems that parents and educators should request a full explanation of each of these courses.
- Unpacking White Privilege Bias and Anti-Racist instruction – This course seems to be based on concepts from Ibram Kendi’s book “How to Be an Anti-Racist”. Don’t be fooled by the jargon. Anti-Racism means deliberate bias against the so-called oppressor class in CRT or DEI speak. Concepts such as “white privilege” and systemic racism are opinions and perceptions, not facts.
- Addressing Institutional Racism – This training assumes that our school is institutionally racist. The class is designed to address the racist policies in our schools. The teacher indicates that he or she will “collaborate with colleges to design and support ideas to implement.”
- Race, Culture and Oppression – This course teaches students to find oppression and insidious societal forces directed at minorities. The applicant indicates that it will help him or her “mitigate preferential treatment for some people”.
