"Equity, diversity, and inclusion": Austin think tank publishes critical race theory terms to watch out for
Austin, Texas – A conservative think tank based out of Austin went viral on Tuesday after posting a list of buzzwords to "identify critical race theory in the classroom."
"Are you wondering if Critical Race Theory is being taught in your child's school? Stay on the lookout for some of CRT's less 'buzzworthy' names and language," the Texas Public Policy Foundation's now-deleted Twitter post read.
The list of phrases to watch out for included terms like "diversity," "inclusion," and "social justice," as well as "Black lives matter."
Many teachers and critics have spoken out against the attempts to ban the teaching of certain concepts, saying it's pretty hard to teach American or Texan history without referring to "colonialism," "white supremacy," or "institutional racism."
Critics also argue that CRT is not nearly as widespread in public schools and institutions as Republicans make it out to be.
"Critical race theory is the scarecrow," Derek W. Black, professor of education law at the University of South Carolina, told the Houston Chronicle. "It has become a catchall term and catchall fear and it’s setting people off."
In fact, Black said he didn't know of a single public school in the US that teaches CRT, which indicates that Republicans are using the academic study of systemic racism to target inclusivity measures.
Texas Republicans haven't given up on banning CRT
Black believes the recent Republican uproar around CRT is politically motivated: "They think it will alarm people and cause them to turn out for the midterm elections and they can take back the House."
"It is really a sad day in America when what we are trying to do is undermine and interfere with the day-to-day work of the people trying to educate our children to win a federal election that has nothing to do with public education," he continued.
Republican lawmakers unsuccessfully tried to add Texas to the contingent of states aiming to block the teaching of critical race theory in public schools during the past legislative session.
Now, Governor Greg Abbott says he may want to add CRT to the agenda for a special legislative session, which is set to begin next week.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire