The educational board in Missouri has sparked outrage by deciding to remove all material related to Black history and literature. This controversial move has drawn widespread attention, leading to protests and criticism.
On Thursday evening, the courses offered in the district’s three high schools since 2021 were eliminated in a 5-2 vote. The decision was made by all seven members, who were Caucasian, and the change will officially take effect on July 1, 2024.
“Our students really wanted these electives,” Harry Harris, whose son is a student in the district, said during the board meeting. “Our families really wanted them and our teachers really wanted them. It’s important. It’s been great.”
In July, the conservative-led board revoked an anti-racism resolution passed in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd.
The resolution, which made a pledge to “speak firmly against any racism, discrimination, and senseless violence against people regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability,” was removed from school buildings.
Last year, a new board was elected with the backing of Francis Howell Families, a political action committee aligned with conservative values. Consisting of five new members, they promptly focused on the resolution and course offerings. Regrettably, the PAC had concerns with these curricula, objecting to the principles of critical race theory taught within, despite all seven board members being white. Their website contains editorial content expressing clear opposition to the courses.
Described as an academic concept, critical race theory argues that our society and its institutions are influenced by systemic racism and power dynamics. Currently, it encounters strong resistance from conservative groups and elected officials who demand either the prohibition or restriction of its teaching in schools nationwide.
On its website, the Francis Howell Families PAC lists issues it’s concerned about, including “critical race theory” and “obscene books in your child’s library.”
During the board vote, community members, including resident Tom Ferri, voiced their disagreement with the board’s decision.
“Tapping into a diverse talent pipeline would be a great way to slow attrition, but what diverse staff wants to work in a district waging culture wars?” Ferri asked.
Williams said she was “heartbroken” and “angry” by the board’s decision, which she said was motivated by racism and ignorance. She said she felt betrayed by the board members, who she said did not listen to the voices of the students and teachers who supported the courses.
The board members who voted for the removal did not reply to CNN’s requests for comment. The district stated that the decision was made after reviewing the courses’ enrollment, alignment, and rigor.
The statement also said that the district will work with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to review and revise its curriculum to ensure that it meets the state standards and expectations.
In an educational landscape largely devoid of diversity, a suburban locality within St. Louis had a just over 100 enrolments for the current academic term. However, the discontinued offering of these courses has brought the fairness and openness of the education system to scrutiny directed from local communities. Predictably, the authorities currently face massive backlash as a consequence.
The ongoing conversation surrounding race and history in education includes the verdict made by the Francis Howell School Board. The decisions made will have an effect on how students connect with history and establish their position in society. Only time will determine the effects and outcomes of these choices.
Relevant articles:
– Missouri School Board Votes To Remove Black History Classes. The all-white school board voted 5-2 to stop offering Black history and literature courses.
– Missouri School Board Votes To Remove Black History Classes
– Francis Howell School Board votes to remove Black history-related electives
– Missouri school board that previously rescinded anti-racism resolution …