By Erin Jones

What is Critical Race Theory and why are conservatives so scared of it?

Who could have imagined the origins of the anti-CRT movement were right here in Washington state?!

I do work for the Peninsula School District. There have been very public anti-diversity/equity messages from school board and community members.

Who could have imagined the person who lit the fires of the movement that led to President Trump signing an executive order to forbid government agencies from doing any anti-racism/equity training?

I think what disturbs me most about the narrative promoted by Rufo (and others) is that talk about race and systemic racism (which DOES exist, even if we just look at who was denied access to the GI Bill or who was affected by redlining or the implications of boarding schools for Native students) are CREATING division.

We are already divided.

We are already living in de facto segregation in most places in the United States.

Our churches and schools and social clubs remain separated by race (and often class).

Calling out the “reasons” for our existing division provides us with opportunities to behave differently, to work with intention towards change.

Why is it that South Africa realized a need to honestly face the ways race was used as a tool to oppress or provide special access?

Why does Germany insist on thoroughly educating its people about the evils of the Holocaust? To ensure the past is not repeated.

The United States of America would do well from following suit. Why are we so afraid?