Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Edward Henderson | California Black Media
The Temecula Valley Unified School District is facing litigation over its ban of critical race theory.
The suit contends that the board’s ban violates the California Constitution’s guarantee of a “fundamental right” to an education that protects students from racial discrimination. It also claims the ban violates state laws mandating learning standards that include discussions about racism, inequality and how past events are relevant in the present day.
Critical race theory is an examination of how racial inequality and racism are systematically imbedded in United States’ institutions. The suit was filed on behalf of Temecula students, parents, teachers and the local teacher’s union by the public-interest law firm Public Council and the law firm Ballard Spahr.
Students and teachers from the district have expressed their concern how the lack of open discourse concerning race and systematic racism could stifle learning and growth.
If the suit overturns the ban, a domino effect could occur as attorneys in other states are exploring similar litigation. Thirty-six states have restricted education on racism, bias, or the contributions of specific racial or ethnic groups to U.S. history.