CRT LAWSUIT: PARENTS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS SAY YOU CAN'T BAN THE TRUTH IN CALIFORNIA
In a shocking turn of events, a coalition of parents, students, teachers, and a union representing public education officials in Temecula, California have come together to say "Hell no!" to the ban on critical race theory (CRT) in their schools. Their message is clear: just teach the truth and let the chips fall where they may.
The Temecula Valley Unified School District's CRT ban has caused quite a stir, with a lawsuit being filed against the district for creating a hostile school environment. But what is CRT, you ask? Well, it's a body of legal scholarship that examines the intersection of race and law in the United States. It argues that racism is not simply the product of individual prejudice, but is also embedded in legal systems and institutions. Some people argue that it is necessary to understand the role of racism in American society, while others argue that it is divisive and harmful.
The TVUSD passed a resolution banning the teaching of CRT and "doctrines derived from Critical Race Theory" in December 2022. The resolution defines CRT as "the view that racism and disparate racial outcomes are the result of conscious or unconscious actions and policies of individuals and institutions that maintain the existing power structure." It also states that CRT "promotes the idea that the United States is a fundamentally racist country and that the legal system is inherently racist."
But this coalition of parents, students, teachers, and union officials are not having it. They believe that the ban is vague and overbroad, resulting in censorship of teachers and suppression of student speech. They argue that the resolution violates the California Constitution, the First Amendment, and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. They also believe that the resolution violates the students' right to an education and their right to receive information.
If successful, this lawsuit could overturn the TVUSD's ban on CRT and set a precedent for other school districts across the country. But what does this mean for the teaching of CRT in public schools? Will teachers be hesitant to discuss the topic for fear of legal repercussions? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, let's take a moment to appreciate the absurdity of this situation. A ban on critical race theory in California? It's like banning sunshine in Florida or banning cheese in Wisconsin. It just doesn't make sense.
But fear not, dear readers. This coalition is here to fight for what's right. They believe that teaching the truth about racism and its impact on our society is essential for creating a better future. And if that means challenging a ridiculous ban on critical race theory, then so be it.
In conclusion, let's all take a deep breath, have a good laugh at this absurdity, and remember that sometimes the truth can be uncomfortable. But discomfort is necessary for growth. So let's embrace it, learn from it, and move forward together. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll look back on this moment and laugh at how silly it all was.
Temecula Valley Unified CRT ban has created a hostile school environment, lawsuit says https://edsource.org/2023/temecula-valley-unified-crt-ban-has-created-a-hostile-school-environment-lawsuit-says/695080
Temecula school board: California school district at center of earlier controversy is sued over critical race theory ban | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/03/us/temecula-california-school-board-crt-ban/index.html
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THE DEFT DIVE
FROM BARD AI
The lawsuit against the Temecula Valley Unified School District for its critical race theory ban:
What is critical race theory?
Critical race theory (CRT) is a body of legal scholarship that examines the intersection of race and law in the United States. It argues that racism is not simply the product of individual prejudice, but is also embedded in legal systems and institutions. CRT has been the subject of much debate in recent years, with some people arguing that it is necessary to understand the role of racism in American society, while others argue that it is divisive and harmful.
What is the Temecula Valley Unified School District's critical race theory ban?
In December 2022, the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) passed a resolution banning the teaching of critical race theory and "doctrines derived from Critical Race Theory." The resolution defines CRT as "the view that racism and disparate racial outcomes are the result of conscious or unconscious actions and policies of individuals and institutions that maintain the existing power structure." It also states that CRT "promotes the idea that the United States is a fundamentally racist country and that the legal system is inherently racist."
What is the lawsuit alleging?
The lawsuit, which was filed in Riverside Superior Court on behalf of seven students, three teachers, and the TVUSD teachers union, alleges that the resolution violates the California Constitution, the First Amendment, and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The plaintiffs argue that the resolution is vague and overbroad, and that it has resulted in the censorship of teachers and the suppression of student speech. They also argue that the resolution violates the students' right to an education and their right to receive information.
What is the potential impact of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit could have a significant impact on the debate over critical race theory in public schools. If the plaintiffs are successful, it could overturn the TVUSD's ban on CRT and set a precedent for other school districts across the country. The lawsuit could also have a chilling effect on the teaching of CRT in public schools, as teachers may be hesitant to discuss the topic for fear of legal repercussions.
What is the current status of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit is still in its early stages. The plaintiffs have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, which would prevent the TVUSD from enforcing the resolution while the case is pending. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for August 22, 2023.
The lawsuit against the TVUSD is just one of many lawsuits that have been filed challenging critical race theory bans in public schools. These lawsuits are likely to continue as the debate over CRT in public schools intensifies.
FROM BING AI
Critical race theory is a complex and controversial academic framework that examines how systemic racism and power structures shape society and institutions. It is not part of the official curriculum in California public schools, but some educators may use it as a lens to analyze historical and current events.
The Temecula Valley Unified School District, located in Riverside County, California, adopted a resolution in December 2022 that bans the teaching of critical race theory and any related doctrines in its schools. The resolution states that critical race theory is "a divisive ideology that assigns moral fault to individuals solely on the basis of an individual's race and, therefore, is itself a racist ideology."¹
The resolution also prohibits teachers from discussing topics such as whether the United States was founded to preserve slavery, whether racism is common or endemic in American society, and whether individuals should feel discomfort or guilt because of their race or sex. The resolution allows teachers to teach about critical race theory only if they focus on its flaws and criticisms.¹
A coalition of parents, students, teachers and a union representing public education officials filed a lawsuit against the school board and district on August 2, 2023, challenging the legality and constitutionality of the resolution. The lawsuit claims that the resolution violates the California Education Code, the California Constitution, and the First Amendment rights of teachers and students. The lawsuit also alleges that the resolution creates a hostile and discriminatory environment for students and teachers of color, LGBTQ+ students and teachers, and students and teachers who support anti-racism education.²³⁴
The lawsuit seeks to declare the resolution unconstitutional and invalid, and to enjoin the school board from enforcing or implementing it. The lawsuit also seeks damages, attorney's fees, and costs for the plaintiffs.²³⁴
The school board has not yet responded to the lawsuit or issued a public statement about it. The case is pending in the Riverside County Superior Court.⁵
Bing, 8/3/2023
(1) Southern California school board sued for critical race theory ban. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2023/08/03/temecula-school-board-sued-for-critical-race-theory-ban/.
(2) California school district at center of earlier controversy is sued over critical race theory ban. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/california-school-district-at-center-of-earlier-controversy-is-sued-over-critical-race-theory-ban/ar-AA1eIUOl.
(3) Temecula school district board sued over ban on teaching of critical race theory. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/temecula-school-district-board-sued-over-ban-on-teaching-of-critical-race-theory/3199116/.
(4) Temecula school board: California school district at center of earlier .... https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/03/us/temecula-california-school-board-crt-ban/index.html.
(5) Temecula Valley Unified CRT ban has created a hostile school .... https://edsource.org/2023/temecula-valley-unified-crt-ban-has-created-a-hostile-school-environment-lawsuit-says/695080.
(6) Temecula school district sued over its ban of critical race theory. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/public-counsel-sues-temecula-school-district-over-its-ban-of-critical-race-theory/ar-AA1eHBRb.
(7) Temecula school district facing lawsuit over ban on critical race theory. https://abc7.com/temecula-valley-unified-school-district-riverside-county-critical-race-theory/13588886/.
