Judd Legum Profile picture
I write Popular Information, an independent newsletter dedicated to accountability journalism. | judd@popular.info | Signal: juddlegum.47 | DMs open

Nov 12, 2021, 13 tweets

1. Very illuminating list from @DefendingEd, a dark money group linked to the Koch political network, of what it claims is evidence of Critical Race Theory being taught in K-12 schools in Virginia

I want to highlight some examples of things they find objectionable

@DefendingEd 2. A Fairfax county social studies coordinator who says African-American history “deserves a truer and fuller account.”

This is an example of "Critical Race Theory," according to the group

3. A message from a high school principal that says: "While I did not come from a family with economic means, the color of my skin has given me privileges that others do not have."

This is an example of "Critical Race Theory," according to the group

4. A page on the Alexandria City Public Schools website called “Talking to your Children about Racial Justice”

This is an example of "Critical Race Theory," according to the group

5. A discussion at a school board meeting on whether teachers should be allowed to "take a clear position on matters that may be perceived as controversial in order to affirm the dignity and belonging of all students"

An example of "Critical Race Theory," according to the group

6. A Fairfax County School Board member posted a message on her personal Facebook page that was critical of Israel.

This is an example of "Critical Race Theory," according to the group

7. The Virginia Department of Education crafted “Social and Emotional Learning” standards (something that all 50 states have). SEL has proven academic and social benefits for students.

This is an example of "Critical Race Theory," according to the group

popular.info/p/the-new-buga…

8. An effort "to consider how to modernize and update math instruction to Virginia’s K-12 students to prepare them all to be life ready and succeed in their post-secondary pursuits."

This is an example of "Critical Race Theory," according to the group

9 A program in Henrico County schools where Black teachers met as a group three times over the summer

This is an example of "Critical Race Theory," according to the group

10. A 5-year strategic plan by the Alexandria City School Board to create "a deliberately inclusive and supportive experience where all succeed"

This is an example of "Critical Race Theory," according to the group

11. I want to be clear that I'm NOT claiming that everything is perfect in Virginia schools. Specifically, the school system does appear willing to spend considerable amounts of cash on educational consultants that don't seem to have much to offer.

12. But there are a lot of schools and running a school system is difficult and not every dollar is spent wisely.

We should try to direct resources to things that will help students the most.

But that's very different from a conspiracy to indoctrinate kids

13. That said, there is a reason why people want to talk about "Critical Race Theory" instead of the things they actually oppose.

The details tell a much different story.

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