An important truth that needs to be exposed is there is no such thing as race. Biologically we are all the same race; the Human race. Race as discussed here is strictly a social construction. In Ibram Kendi’s book “How to be an Antiracist” he acknowledges this but then goes on to say that that biology doesn’t matter. It does matter! There is no race so the term should be dropped. The CRT is built on totally false premise. What it is about is the social structure of our society. We must not stick our heads in the sand, our society has prejudice and unfair policies. What needs to be done is remove the term race and replace it with correct term bigotry no matter what their skin color. If our skin color was all the same this battle would still rage on because the “the natural human” wants rule over others. CRT should be replaced with Critical Bigotry Theory, CBT and stop claiming there is a some innate difference between all of us. We are all the same, the human race, God’s children trying to all get along.
BertieJune 14, 2021
It doesn't change the fact that there are places where racism happens and goes unchecked. These aren't subtle, benign, and ambiguous like "Where are you from?" Or "What's that you're eating?" But are instead specific and persistent moments like the ones detailed in the NBC article from members of this community. How would you respond if your children were at the recieving end of those experiences? Shut down whatever harmful "ideologies" you see running contrary to belief, but don't ignore the legitimate hurt and actual racism that is occurring, and if you don’t like how they proposed to address those instances of racism, that's fine. But let's talk about other ways.
TMJune 13, 2021
No, nothing like this is being implemented at BYU-Idaho.
Dave MyersJune 12, 2021
I appreciate the fact that this article identifies specific policies and procedures that are undesirable or potentially harmful. That is fair and helpful. But it also falls into the trap of generalizing and using labels to discredit an entire movement that has elements that are also fair and helpful. Labels like Marxist, Woke, Socialist, Cancel Culture, Critical Race Theory, etc. carry such bias that they can lead to book burning or throwing the baby out with the bath water. I think we're better off sticking to ideas for discussion instead of name-calling. For example, my American History class textbooks (many years ago) were written by and are mainly from the perspective of the winners (white northern European men) - nothing from the perspective of Native Americans or slaves or Chinese railroad workers or southern European explorers, etc., and very little about women. That's just plain incomplete. Let's start with things both sides can agree on, avoid the labels, and try to have a fair, constructive and productive conversation. Let's set an example for our children that we're trying to educate. Give them a chance to be better than we were. They might surprise us with the world they create.
Pamela SmithJune 12, 2021
Many people, even in the Church, confuse the concept of Critical Race Theory (CRT) with basic efforts to decrease racism in our society. They are two very different things. CRT, in reality, promotes racism.
CRT teaches that whites are biologically flawed toward racism, cannot be redeemed, and are responsible for all injustice throughout the world. CRT is an attempt to create MORE divisions in society rather than unite all God’s children.
BYU is NOT “implementing CRT” but is examining their own long-held policies to be certain they are fair to all students.
ShirleyJune 11, 2021
1. CRT is trying fix long-standing problems in society but is going about it all wrong, and of course, has its own Marxist agenda. They originally pitted class against class but today it's race against race. 2. Ample documented evidence exists to prove white people have indeed been the oppressors and minorities are still the oppressed. Both sides are now the pawns of Extremist groups at both ends of the spectrum. Visit https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/resources/equal_opportunity/ You don't need to be a member to take the 21-Day Civil Rights Challenge. Also, see https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/resources/equal_opportunity1/ for oppression of Asian and Pacific Islander groups. 3. People are still being "marginalized," even if some of us prefer different terminology. Just ask the LGBTQ+ community, who finally made themselves more visible. 4. If we're going to use less-common words in Comments, let's make sure we're using the correct version of two or more that only sound the same. 5. California has already mandated that CRT now be taught in even the youngest school grades. So "fireworks" are pending if parents truly want to fight it. They'd probably all move to Utah, except that you don't want any of us there!
Robert D StarlingJune 11, 2021
Thank you Maureen VERY much for this excellent "call to arms", and the resource links that you provide. This is a "Captain Moroni" moment in our society, and we must be willing to get out of our comfort zone and enter the fray as Hanna has done. We must hoist our own Title of Liberty in our communities ... "And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, AND OUR CHILDREN —and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
This is the only way to defeat the "secret combinations" of the Adversary.
Alece ReynoldsJune 11, 2021
This kind of fight needs to be fought at BYU where CRT is being implemented -- under the direction of the President of the University and the rest of the administration. CRT has NO place in the Lord's university! Since it is being implemented there; I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't also being implemented at BYU Idaho and BYU Hawaii!
Jenee LindnerJune 11, 2021
Maurine, Great article and timely. I am adding myself to the mix from Fairfax in an Opinion piece that was published yesterday in the Sun Gazette News. Please feel free to use it here in comments or as a separate article (adjust as necessary). I called it - The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Rules the World. They called it “Parents are the Final Arbiters of Education, no Matter What Leaders of FCPS (Fairfax County Public Schools) Might Believe”
Pg 6.
https://sungazette.news/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fairfax-6-10-21.pdf?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Weekly+editions+posted
The Hand that Rocks the Cradle Rules the World
In the response to the Opinion piece on “Marxist Propaganda has no place in FCPS” by Ed Wenzel on May 27, the author received a rebuttal on June 3 called “Telling Our Whole History Benefits Everyone” by Tom Carrier. Some points I agreed with, especially teaching the whole story, but some I did not.
I could not help but notice that in the excitement surrounding educating our children, there was no mention of the role of parents, grandparents or other significant people in their young lives. Who is really in charge of their education? Parents! A wise theologian Jeffrey Holland said this recently: We must not pull away from our children. We must keep trying, keep reaching, keep praying, keep listening. We must keep them “within the clasp of our arms.”
Parents need to be involved instead of after the fact. This new racial curriculum has been served on a platter without them knowing what it is really until their children started coming home with assignments or a school administrator announced it. This has been dumped on them in the name of equity. What happened to equality? I am confused.
Concrete examples are much better than slogan’s or catch phrases. Banning classics, introducing concepts before they are maturely ready, only offering one viewpoint, concerns me. And I will go so far to say, the way it has been introduced is a Marxist approach. (They do not believe in the family structure. Running it by parents is not in their vernacular). And yes, I agree, as the rebuttal spoke, bless the children. As we teach the next generation life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, be mindful of the parents.
I personally believe the greatest role in all the world is to be a mother because we are raising the next generation. My world for many years was to get my kids to school every day and to all their activities, homework support, doctor appointments, etc., they needed. I was the chief chauffeur. With a MA in Education from Stanford University to teach history, this was not what I planned for. I remember traffic, task accomplishments and arriving from point A to point B.
My (now, grown) kids see it differently. I was surprised to realize their favorite memories were riding around in the car with me. They remember the journey of going and seeing the world outside in the safety of our car window. No distractions. Living, discussing, and teaching about life lessons was discussed in that moving fortress. Both my husband and I had them listen to books on tape, explained to them “my generation’s music”(my husband was good at that as a trivia Rock and Roll king!) and a hundred other things.
I implore the school board to have conversations with people like me before you decide exactly what needs to be done in such a consequential manner. I am all in for the conversation. Do not dictate to me how to teach race theory to my kids. You say you are an expert, but so am I. I am living it.
We just celebrated the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Women’s Right to Vote. The 19th Amendment would not have been ratified if a Tennessee State Representative, the youngest at 24, named Henry Burn, had not changed his vote in favor of ratification. He was asked why? He stated he received a letter from his widowed mother, one of the most capable women he knew, was in favor. So, he voted.
As he said, “Remember your mother.”
Loran BloodJune 11, 2021
One quibble: no one is presently being "marginalized," and no one has, as a group, for generations. Secondly, please stop using the Left's ideologically weighted meta-language and vocabulary. There is no such thing as a "person of color" as a discreet demographic group. The term is a tautology, like "water of liquid." All of us are "people of color" to one degree or the other.
Its also bad English, but politicized language has little need of such conventions.
TraceyJune 11, 2021
Your first paragraph. Unfortunately while people weren't looking, warning shots were indeed fired across the bow. Those who did so, were called "crazy conspiracy theorists" and all sorts of other names and labels meant to shut them up. This happens both outside and often within and by The Church. When I read about "secret combinations" in one of our most important books of
scripture, I wonder how this can happen. I am dumbfounded by it.
Thank you for a very well written article on one of the most serious issues of these latter days.
James ScottJune 11, 2021
When competent and favorite instructors are being replaced because the school is heading in a new direction it is a sign of the accumulation of power by proletariat wanna bees. An examination of the NEA need to be concluded and their power curtailed by the state legislatures. Let’s reclaim the schools!
Kathy SandersJune 11, 2021
Thank you Maurine for bringing this great article to us. I appreciate warriors like you in the fight for truth, families, and moral society. Thanks for the links at the bottom. I'm excited to have them. I've been feeling I really need to get involved with the school board and these links will be a great help to do that.
Shep KuesterJune 11, 2021
Silencing opposition and discussion violates the Constitution. Open honest discussions about differences, about similarities, and helping each other to succeed is what this country needs. CRT not only shuts down discussion, it instills fear of expressing an opinion.
Evaluating each other based on skin color will not fix anything. Evaluating each other on character, as espoused by Dr. King, will bring us to a better society.
Many students in inner city schools are failing. If we put more effort into fixing that, we would be on a better path. Education is liberating. A good education leads to better jobs, stable families, and gives the gift of critical comparative thinking. CRT is specifically designed to eliminate all that, instead instilling a Marxist hive mind attitude.
LincolnJune 11, 2021
I have met Ms Smith once or twice, and I am generally familiar with her professional accomplishments. She is a national treasure. Texas should thank it’s lucky Lone Star that she moved there — and just in time, too. I do not know where she gets the energy to accomplish her daily tasks, but I thank her and her family for making it all possible.
CASJune 11, 2021
I hope this is one of MANY articles on the extreme dangers of implementing CRT (Critical Race Theory) in our schools, businesses, and society. This is wholly a movement to divide and pit one race against the other and divide families. It's Marxist in fact! The more articles we can have like this one to educate people the better!
ShayJune 11, 2021
What a wonderful article and model for so many of us parents who are simply aghast at what is happening in our schools. Thank you for these resources at the end.
StephanieJune 11, 2021
Amazing. Hannah was a person who was in the right place at the right time. Please keep up the good fight the country depends on men and women like Hannah.
Comments | Return to Story
Rawlen RawlinsJune 14, 2021
An important truth that needs to be exposed is there is no such thing as race. Biologically we are all the same race; the Human race. Race as discussed here is strictly a social construction. In Ibram Kendi’s book “How to be an Antiracist” he acknowledges this but then goes on to say that that biology doesn’t matter. It does matter! There is no race so the term should be dropped. The CRT is built on totally false premise. What it is about is the social structure of our society. We must not stick our heads in the sand, our society has prejudice and unfair policies. What needs to be done is remove the term race and replace it with correct term bigotry no matter what their skin color. If our skin color was all the same this battle would still rage on because the “the natural human” wants rule over others. CRT should be replaced with Critical Bigotry Theory, CBT and stop claiming there is a some innate difference between all of us. We are all the same, the human race, God’s children trying to all get along.
BertieJune 14, 2021
It doesn't change the fact that there are places where racism happens and goes unchecked. These aren't subtle, benign, and ambiguous like "Where are you from?" Or "What's that you're eating?" But are instead specific and persistent moments like the ones detailed in the NBC article from members of this community. How would you respond if your children were at the recieving end of those experiences? Shut down whatever harmful "ideologies" you see running contrary to belief, but don't ignore the legitimate hurt and actual racism that is occurring, and if you don’t like how they proposed to address those instances of racism, that's fine. But let's talk about other ways.
TMJune 13, 2021
No, nothing like this is being implemented at BYU-Idaho.
Dave MyersJune 12, 2021
I appreciate the fact that this article identifies specific policies and procedures that are undesirable or potentially harmful. That is fair and helpful. But it also falls into the trap of generalizing and using labels to discredit an entire movement that has elements that are also fair and helpful. Labels like Marxist, Woke, Socialist, Cancel Culture, Critical Race Theory, etc. carry such bias that they can lead to book burning or throwing the baby out with the bath water. I think we're better off sticking to ideas for discussion instead of name-calling. For example, my American History class textbooks (many years ago) were written by and are mainly from the perspective of the winners (white northern European men) - nothing from the perspective of Native Americans or slaves or Chinese railroad workers or southern European explorers, etc., and very little about women. That's just plain incomplete. Let's start with things both sides can agree on, avoid the labels, and try to have a fair, constructive and productive conversation. Let's set an example for our children that we're trying to educate. Give them a chance to be better than we were. They might surprise us with the world they create.
Pamela SmithJune 12, 2021
Many people, even in the Church, confuse the concept of Critical Race Theory (CRT) with basic efforts to decrease racism in our society. They are two very different things. CRT, in reality, promotes racism. CRT teaches that whites are biologically flawed toward racism, cannot be redeemed, and are responsible for all injustice throughout the world. CRT is an attempt to create MORE divisions in society rather than unite all God’s children. BYU is NOT “implementing CRT” but is examining their own long-held policies to be certain they are fair to all students.
ShirleyJune 11, 2021
1. CRT is trying fix long-standing problems in society but is going about it all wrong, and of course, has its own Marxist agenda. They originally pitted class against class but today it's race against race. 2. Ample documented evidence exists to prove white people have indeed been the oppressors and minorities are still the oppressed. Both sides are now the pawns of Extremist groups at both ends of the spectrum. Visit https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/resources/equal_opportunity/ You don't need to be a member to take the 21-Day Civil Rights Challenge. Also, see https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/resources/equal_opportunity1/ for oppression of Asian and Pacific Islander groups. 3. People are still being "marginalized," even if some of us prefer different terminology. Just ask the LGBTQ+ community, who finally made themselves more visible. 4. If we're going to use less-common words in Comments, let's make sure we're using the correct version of two or more that only sound the same. 5. California has already mandated that CRT now be taught in even the youngest school grades. So "fireworks" are pending if parents truly want to fight it. They'd probably all move to Utah, except that you don't want any of us there!
Robert D StarlingJune 11, 2021
Thank you Maureen VERY much for this excellent "call to arms", and the resource links that you provide. This is a "Captain Moroni" moment in our society, and we must be willing to get out of our comfort zone and enter the fray as Hanna has done. We must hoist our own Title of Liberty in our communities ... "And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, AND OUR CHILDREN —and he fastened it upon the end of a pole. This is the only way to defeat the "secret combinations" of the Adversary.
Alece ReynoldsJune 11, 2021
This kind of fight needs to be fought at BYU where CRT is being implemented -- under the direction of the President of the University and the rest of the administration. CRT has NO place in the Lord's university! Since it is being implemented there; I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't also being implemented at BYU Idaho and BYU Hawaii!
Jenee LindnerJune 11, 2021
Maurine, Great article and timely. I am adding myself to the mix from Fairfax in an Opinion piece that was published yesterday in the Sun Gazette News. Please feel free to use it here in comments or as a separate article (adjust as necessary). I called it - The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Rules the World. They called it “Parents are the Final Arbiters of Education, no Matter What Leaders of FCPS (Fairfax County Public Schools) Might Believe” Pg 6. https://sungazette.news/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fairfax-6-10-21.pdf?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Weekly+editions+posted The Hand that Rocks the Cradle Rules the World In the response to the Opinion piece on “Marxist Propaganda has no place in FCPS” by Ed Wenzel on May 27, the author received a rebuttal on June 3 called “Telling Our Whole History Benefits Everyone” by Tom Carrier. Some points I agreed with, especially teaching the whole story, but some I did not. I could not help but notice that in the excitement surrounding educating our children, there was no mention of the role of parents, grandparents or other significant people in their young lives. Who is really in charge of their education? Parents! A wise theologian Jeffrey Holland said this recently: We must not pull away from our children. We must keep trying, keep reaching, keep praying, keep listening. We must keep them “within the clasp of our arms.” Parents need to be involved instead of after the fact. This new racial curriculum has been served on a platter without them knowing what it is really until their children started coming home with assignments or a school administrator announced it. This has been dumped on them in the name of equity. What happened to equality? I am confused. Concrete examples are much better than slogan’s or catch phrases. Banning classics, introducing concepts before they are maturely ready, only offering one viewpoint, concerns me. And I will go so far to say, the way it has been introduced is a Marxist approach. (They do not believe in the family structure. Running it by parents is not in their vernacular). And yes, I agree, as the rebuttal spoke, bless the children. As we teach the next generation life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, be mindful of the parents. I personally believe the greatest role in all the world is to be a mother because we are raising the next generation. My world for many years was to get my kids to school every day and to all their activities, homework support, doctor appointments, etc., they needed. I was the chief chauffeur. With a MA in Education from Stanford University to teach history, this was not what I planned for. I remember traffic, task accomplishments and arriving from point A to point B. My (now, grown) kids see it differently. I was surprised to realize their favorite memories were riding around in the car with me. They remember the journey of going and seeing the world outside in the safety of our car window. No distractions. Living, discussing, and teaching about life lessons was discussed in that moving fortress. Both my husband and I had them listen to books on tape, explained to them “my generation’s music”(my husband was good at that as a trivia Rock and Roll king!) and a hundred other things. I implore the school board to have conversations with people like me before you decide exactly what needs to be done in such a consequential manner. I am all in for the conversation. Do not dictate to me how to teach race theory to my kids. You say you are an expert, but so am I. I am living it. We just celebrated the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Women’s Right to Vote. The 19th Amendment would not have been ratified if a Tennessee State Representative, the youngest at 24, named Henry Burn, had not changed his vote in favor of ratification. He was asked why? He stated he received a letter from his widowed mother, one of the most capable women he knew, was in favor. So, he voted. As he said, “Remember your mother.”
Loran BloodJune 11, 2021
One quibble: no one is presently being "marginalized," and no one has, as a group, for generations. Secondly, please stop using the Left's ideologically weighted meta-language and vocabulary. There is no such thing as a "person of color" as a discreet demographic group. The term is a tautology, like "water of liquid." All of us are "people of color" to one degree or the other. Its also bad English, but politicized language has little need of such conventions.
TraceyJune 11, 2021
Your first paragraph. Unfortunately while people weren't looking, warning shots were indeed fired across the bow. Those who did so, were called "crazy conspiracy theorists" and all sorts of other names and labels meant to shut them up. This happens both outside and often within and by The Church. When I read about "secret combinations" in one of our most important books of scripture, I wonder how this can happen. I am dumbfounded by it. Thank you for a very well written article on one of the most serious issues of these latter days.
James ScottJune 11, 2021
When competent and favorite instructors are being replaced because the school is heading in a new direction it is a sign of the accumulation of power by proletariat wanna bees. An examination of the NEA need to be concluded and their power curtailed by the state legislatures. Let’s reclaim the schools!
Kathy SandersJune 11, 2021
Thank you Maurine for bringing this great article to us. I appreciate warriors like you in the fight for truth, families, and moral society. Thanks for the links at the bottom. I'm excited to have them. I've been feeling I really need to get involved with the school board and these links will be a great help to do that.
Shep KuesterJune 11, 2021
Silencing opposition and discussion violates the Constitution. Open honest discussions about differences, about similarities, and helping each other to succeed is what this country needs. CRT not only shuts down discussion, it instills fear of expressing an opinion. Evaluating each other based on skin color will not fix anything. Evaluating each other on character, as espoused by Dr. King, will bring us to a better society. Many students in inner city schools are failing. If we put more effort into fixing that, we would be on a better path. Education is liberating. A good education leads to better jobs, stable families, and gives the gift of critical comparative thinking. CRT is specifically designed to eliminate all that, instead instilling a Marxist hive mind attitude.
LincolnJune 11, 2021
I have met Ms Smith once or twice, and I am generally familiar with her professional accomplishments. She is a national treasure. Texas should thank it’s lucky Lone Star that she moved there — and just in time, too. I do not know where she gets the energy to accomplish her daily tasks, but I thank her and her family for making it all possible.
CASJune 11, 2021
I hope this is one of MANY articles on the extreme dangers of implementing CRT (Critical Race Theory) in our schools, businesses, and society. This is wholly a movement to divide and pit one race against the other and divide families. It's Marxist in fact! The more articles we can have like this one to educate people the better!
ShayJune 11, 2021
What a wonderful article and model for so many of us parents who are simply aghast at what is happening in our schools. Thank you for these resources at the end.
StephanieJune 11, 2021
Amazing. Hannah was a person who was in the right place at the right time. Please keep up the good fight the country depends on men and women like Hannah.
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