Temecula Students Protest District Ban On Critical Race Theory: Report

TEMECULA, CA — Students at all three Temecula high schools staged walkouts Friday to send a message to the Temecula Valley Unified School District.

At issue was the school board’s recent decision to ban the teaching of critical race theory in Temecula schools.

Around 10:30 a.m. Friday, some 300 TVHS students walked off campus and headed to nearby Ronald Reagan Sports Park, The Press-Enterprise reported. They held signs with written messages such as “TVHS students will not be silenced,” “Listen to student voices,” and “Fight Fascism.”

Academics say the decades-old critical race theory argues race is a social construct, and that racism is not just individual biases and prejudices, but something that's institutionalized in legal systems and policies. The theory maintains that racism and discrimination are embedded in everyday life, so people of all colors subconsciously make choices that can fuel biases. Some say CRT has been weaponized by far-right politicians and ideologues to scare white voters.

According to the newly passed TVUSD resolution, CRT "is an ideology based on false assumptions about the United States of America and its population; is a divisive ideology that assigns moral fault to individuals solely on the basis of an individual's race and, therefore, is itself a racist ideology; assigns generational guilt and racial guilt for conduct and policies that are long in the past."

The resolution also states that the theory "or other similar frameworks will not be used as a source to guide how topics related to race will be taught" in TVUSD schools.

Critical race theory as a whole has never been taught in the TVUSD, but there is fear that U.S. history courses could get whitewashed now that the district's governing board has taken a staunch position. There are concerns that college opportunities for academically minded students could be in jeopardy, too, if AP teachers alter lesson plans.

Those opposed to the ban have called it censorship; others are concerned it erases history.

Friday’s walkout protesting the district ban on teaching CRT was organized by the Black Student Union organizations at the city’s three high schools— TVHS, Great Oak and Chaparral.

“I hope they realize we’re not going to be silent,” TVHS student Genesis Kekoa told The Press Enterprise.

“We’re not being told by parents or teachers to do this; we’re doing it ourselves,” said Kekoa, who is the president of the Black Student Union at TVHS. “We have a voice. I’m scared students are not going to be taught our history. Everyone’s culture and history deserves to be taught.”

Following Friday's demonstration, TVHS Administration sent a letter home to families:

"As you may know, some of our students have voiced concerns with the recent resolutions passed by the school board. Student leaders representing different groups on campus across the district have been working together and communicating through social media and other venues.

"On campus today, approximately 300 students walked off campus at approximately 10:30 am and gathered at Ronald Reagan Sports Park. The walkout was conducted in a respectful, safe, and orderly manner. Temecula Valley High School does not endorse any student-led protests or walkouts. Our classes continued with planned instruction. Staff did not attempt to stop any student who chose to leave class for the purpose of the protest, in alignment with students’ first amendment rights. Administration, school staff, our school resource deputy, campus security, and Riverside Sheriff Dept motor units were present during the walkout to ensure student safety. Students who were not in class were marked absent. The walkout ended at approximately 12:00 pm and students returned peacefully back to campus for classroom instruction. Students who returned late to class were marked tardy, and all absences will remain unexcused.

"TVUSD values and encourages student voice. We welcome all student viewpoints and perspectives in our classrooms. It is our job as educators to give students the skills to navigate discussions in a respectful manner and build empathy for their peers by seeking to understand experiences that differ from their own. Validating and understanding the experiences of others does not mean that students need to give up their own experiences, thoughts, or beliefs.

"We encourage our families to talk about these issues with their students. Thank you for your support of our students and staff in TVUSD."

Read the full story at Pressenterprise.com.

ALSO SEE: Great Oak HS Students Protest TVUSD Board's 'Censoring' Of Education

Patch local editor Toni McAllister contributed to this report.