Opponents of critical race theory seek to flip school boards in elections

A racial reckoning began years ago for the Guilford school system, first with an episode in which a student wore blackface makeup to a home football game and then a fraught debate over the elimination of its mascot, the Indians. After the killing of George Floyd, district leaders announced they were doubling down on efforts to address social justice and racism in schools and teaching materials.

But an organized pushback in the overwhelmingly white community began last year with a petition for the superintendent's removal. This summer, conservative activists won the GOP's endorsement for school board, knocking out three incumbents in the Republican caucus. In next week's elections, their slate aims to seize control of the school board.

The top issue on their platform is to fight critical race theory, which has become a rallying cry for activist candidates in the Nov. 2 elections all over the country who take issue with how schools have addressed diversity and inclusion.

"It was a surprise to me to be lumped in that national conversation," Superintendent Paul Freeman said. "There have been direct accusations in Guilford that teachers are bullying and indoctrinating children in leftist political agenda. That could not be more wrong."

The school board elections will test the durability of conservative efforts to attack equity initiatives, with much at stake. Where opponents see efforts to stop liberal indoctrination, incumbents and school administrators fear takeovers could result in school board members becoming thorns in the side of professional educators.

Interest in school board seats has surged, with national conservative groups and statelevel efforts encouraging challenges by right-learning newcomers amid debates over Covid-19 mask mandates, gender-neutral bathrooms, and teachings on race.

Schools have been addressing issues of diversity and culturally responsive teaching for years without stirring much controversy, but flames of frustration in some communities have been fanned by groups with bigger agendas, said Jeffrey Henig, a professor of political science and education at Columbia University.

Some Republicans, he said, see it as an issue that can help them win suburban votes in midterm elections.

"It's in the current context where I think this is being deliberately exploited by national actors that this is getting the energy and attention it does," he said.