In the article “Norwin director claims assignment on racism was critical race theory teaching,” Shawna Illagan accused a district teacher of “political indoctrination” because she questioned students about whether or not systemic racism exists in America. She claimed the teacher’s interpretation of critical race theory was “one sided.”
Systemic racism is systemic racism. I doubt Illagan is knowledgeable about systemic racism and that it has and continues to be prevalent in all facets of our society and throughout the world. People of color have been and continue to be denied job opportunities, housing preferences, wage increases and voting rights. She needs to speak to people of color and ask their opinions of systemic racism.
To fully understand the history of our country, we need to infuse into our curricula the evils of slavery and the disastrous effects of systemic racism. Let’s tell the truth and be honest about historical facts of which we are ashamed. Because the Norwin School District is neither multicultural nor racially diverse, district educators must provide students with historical and intellectual perspectives relative to these diversity challenges that they encounter now and in the future.
Michael J. Vranesevic
Irwin