Critical race theory

Re “Glenn Youngkin wins race to be Virginia’s next governor” (Nov. 3): The article states that “the (critical race) theory ... is not taught in Virginia’s K-12 schools.”

While critical race theory may not be the title of a syllabus or an approved lesson plan used in Virginia school curricula, I would point out that critical race theory advocates are being used as resources for developing curricula, and critical race theory philosophy and precepts are in fact used. For example, in the 52-page Navigating EdEquityVA PDF by the Virginia Department of Education, found on its website, Ibram X. Kendi and Gloria Ladson-Billings are cited as two of several resources.

Kendi has written several books and articles about critical race theory and racism to include, “How to Be an Antiracist.” He postulates among other things, that if you are not actively eliminating racism, then you are a racist. Billings’ work, “Critical Race Theory in Education: A Scholar’s Journey,” also speaks to critical race theory in education.

“Foundations of Critical Race Theory in Education” by Edward Taylor, David Gillborn and Ladson-Billings were on Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction James F. Lane’s recommended reading list as of February 2019.

I have yet to see the syllabi for the teachers’ cultural training (all Virginia public school teachers were required to attend), but should we believe that certain critical race theory precepts have not been incorporated into lesson plans and reporting, in an effort, good or bad, to bring “EdEquity” goals to the classroom? Otherwise, why give credit to, or use material from, the above authors?

Frank McCaffery, Virginia Beach