Critical Race Theory Questions Clarified For Long Valley Schools

LONG VALLEY, NJ — After a Washington Township Board of Education member discussed at the Aug. 18 meeting that Critical Race Theory isn’t included in the district's curriculum, the district has provided further clarification on it within its Social Studies Curriculum.

In a letter on Aug. 23 from Interim Superintendent Dr. Laura Morana, who is in the district before newly-hired Superintendent Dr. Peter Turnamian starts around Nov. 1, Morana provided follow-up information to the district’s K-8 Social Studies Curriculum. As part of that she said what was offered within that curriculum was “a statement about the district’s position on the teaching of the ‘Critical Race Theory.’”

The district’s supplemental information about Critical Race Theory stated:

• Critical Race Theory’s framework, which started in the 1970s, was first used with law students to assess and “think critically” about historical and current racism in the legal system.
• It is used as a “framework and/or analytical tool” mainly in “higher-level university and graduate courses.”
• It is used incorrectly by some, at the present time on a range of topics, the district stated, including “classroom instruction and policy through a ‘racial prism.’”
• It is often misapplied, according to the district, for “educational equity, social emotional learning (SEL), cultural awareness and restorative practices.”
• Per New Jersey Student Learning Standards, Critical Race Theory is not a requirement and the Washington Township School District doesn’t incorporate it.
• Historical instances of racism will be addressed and discussed during Social Studies and History classes at some points, with the district noting in particular, “Students should understand the historically accurate past of our nation and that includes some difficult history around racial issues.”

For the Social Studies curriculum as of Aug. 23 in Washington Township Schools, including the questions pertaining to Critical Race Theory, click here.

For Morana’s letter, click here.

RELATED: Long Valley Parents, Board Discuss Critical Race Theory Topic

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