asking white children to be ashamed
"It appears that the ultimate goal of anti-CRT efforts is to prevent any discussion about racism that presents America as less than perfect. Perhaps people need to be reminded that the first 15 words of the preamble to the Constitution – “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union” – suggest that the Founding Fathers understood that America was a work in progress." Kevin Cokley, PhD
There is so much to say! First, for those in the U.S. - Happy belated 4th of July!
As Dr. Cokley points out, wanting to progress toward the ideals on which this country was founded is patriotic. We don't have to believe we've already reached perfection to care deeply about this country and what it represents. (For those that don't know, Dr. Cokley taught my first multicultural psychology class about 20 years ago now, and had a huge influence on my personal and professional development. As such, I always highly regard and recommend his work. This week's article was perfect timing).
In the past week, you've sent thoughtful questions, comments, and feedback to my recent video. You've been generous and insightful in your time and responses. You've expressed some excellent challenges around your values and areas of disagreement with current societal reactions.
You've been real, vulnerable, and courageous - and I'm so grateful for all the ways in which you are processing deeply and being honest with these difficult feelings and conversations.
[As a recap, last week I attended a local school board meeting in which there were nearly 3 hours of public comment on the board's draft of a diversity resolution. I used my 3 minutes to speak in support and ask others to pause to reconsider their values and how they compare with support for dignity, safety, and rights for all people. The majority of speakers (and sign holders) were vehemently opposed to the resolution.]
One of the repeated objections was that the resolution was a covert vehicle to indoctrinate children with Critical Race Theory and divide students into groups of "oppressed" and "oppressors." The assertions that it was not about critical race theory did not deter, as opponents shared that any document with words like social justice, racism, or equity was clearly representative of CRT.
Even when most of these key words were replaced throughout the document with phrases like... supporting opportunity for all students to succeed and have safety and belonging at school...the same arguments remained.
This is why I don't believe debating whether schools are actually trying to incorporate CRT will be effective, or relevant, at least not at this time. While CRT is a study of systemic practices in the law that disadvantage particular groups, and much more advanced than general K-12 education, the objections seem to hinge less on what CRT actually is and more on these other themes - social justice, equity, and really any discussion of individual or systemic biases in our country.
Hence, our involvement in discussions about supporting inclusion, diversity, and equity in our schools must meet people where they are if we hope to move any conversation forward.
Also, I heard you when you shared that white students in your area were being asked to "be ashamed of being white."
With experiences like this, it is certainly understandable that parents are alarmed and concerned about protecting their children's emotional safety and well-being.
As Kevin Cokley states in his article, there can be instructors, teachers, or administrators that are ill-equipped teaching these topics (just as they can with any subject matter - reading, writing, arithmetic included). However, that is not representative of the discipline and approach as a whole, and hopefully not a reason we would choose to throw out any of these subjects when weighed against the benefit and advantages of learning any of these skills; it IS, however, a reason to support more training and practice so teachers are better equipped to teach in their subject areas.
So, this week, here are some specific tools for ways you can engage conversations about indoctrinating our children with CRT and asking white children to be ashamed in the schools.
To come up with more in your own style, follow along the QUEST framework and add in one of your own for each category...
QUESTION:
What are your concerns about your children discussing racism at school? (Plug in the word that echoes the person's language - e.g. social justice, structural inequalities, equity, etc).
I've heard you say you're not racist and care about the rights of all people. What are ways you would be comfortable with these values being represented in a resolution like this? (Or...in schools, in workplaces, etc.)
[Yours here]
UNDERSTAND:
You're really afraid of how these discussions might cause your children to feel bad about who they are. I certainly understand and agree - that would be awful!
You sound like you really mistrust how the school district will handle these decisions if a resolution like this were to pass.
[Yours here]
EXPERIENCE:
In my experiences, these conversations and types of learning actually help children to develop a healthier and more positive identity, as well as stronger relationships with others from different backgrounds.
I really wish I'd had more classes that talked about this in my early education. I would have felt much more prepared for things I witnessed later, and actually felt less guilty if I'd understood more of my friends' experiences sooner.
[Yours here]
SUPPORT:
I support the schools in seeking to improve how they teach and talk about these topics to create a more welcoming and safe environment for all children.
Supporting this resolution matches with my values. I really do want our schools to create a better environment for all our children.
[Yours here]
TEST/TRUTH:
What's informing your belief that these approaches would be harmful to your children?
Teachers are working hard (with very little pay and resources in most cases!) to create a safe environment that supports the needs of all children. The goal of teaching about diversity or making education more inclusive is not to switch from disadvantaging one group to disadvantaging another.
[Yours here]
And, just a reminder to all of us - no one wins through shaming. We aren't looking to raise up people from marginalized groups, or to dismantle systemic biases, by instead trampling on others. When we raise up the rights and well-being of marginalized groups, we all win.
You matter. You can make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
