Op-Ed: Challenging Kaye

In her Tuesday, Feb. 8 front-page article, "Poll worker charged," Kaye Thornbrugh reported about alleged electioneering at a [polling place during the November election. In doing so, Ms. Thornbrugh engaged in her own version of subtly influencing others.

In what seemed like a straight news story, several items that are matters of opinion, ideology or judgment were stated as being matters of fact. Her assertions require clarification.

Ms. Thornbrugh writes, "Critical race theory (CRT) is an academic concept. The central idea is that race is a social construct and that racism is not just a product of individual prejudice, but also embedded in legal systems and policies. CRT is taught at the college level, particularly in law school. The concept is not taught in local schools."

That is certainly the point-of-view promulgated by many of our local school boards. However, this claim is belied by the reality of programs of "equity" and "inclusiveness" being foisted on local students. "Critical Race Theory" is merely one form taken by a pernicious post-modern philosophy that aims to deconstruct (that means "destroy") the colorblind meritocracy at the heart of all good education.

In the name of fighting purported systemic racism, the group identity of every student, teacher and administrator is becoming a primary determinant in outcomes. In other words, success is increasingly about who you are rather than what you do.

The growing use of group projects in classrooms, which are replacing many individual assignments and assessments, makes separating a student from both the natural consequences of their choices and their just rewards much easier.

In fact, every policy of "equity" and "inclusiveness" being utilized by our region's school districts stems from the same set of writings as does CRT.

Yet, Ms. Thornbrugh writes, "Social equity means allocating resources and opportunities as needed to create equal outcomes for all community members, according to The United Way." Given the history of the United Way's involvement in controversies, I would hardly call them an unimpeachable source.

These issues are politically controversial. I encourage every citizen to explore what is happening in local schools, and determine for yourself if Ms. Thornbrugh's interpretations match your own judgments. They certainly do not match mine.

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In Maine and then Idaho, Ralph K. Ginorio has taught the history of Western Civilization to high school students for nearly a quarter century. He is an “out-of-the-closet” Conservative educator with experience in special education, public schools and charter schools, grades 6-12. He has lived in Coeur d’Alene since 2014. Email: rginorio@cdapress.com