Some TE Parents Oppose Teaching CRT To Their Children

TREDYFFRIN/EASTTOWN —More than a dozen parents complained Monday night at the Tredyffrin/Easttown school board meeting about the staff participating in seminars on critical race theory provided by the California-based Pacific Education Group in 2018.

The parents expressed fear that teachers are exposing their children to critical race theory, an academic concept that racism is embedded in our country.

Dr. Richard Gusick, superintendent, repeatedly assured the parents said that the teachers are not teaching critical race theory in the classroom.

He explained that the district is developing its own program to address diversity and equity issues based on researching and studying many programs.

“We work with many vendors and develop what we think is best for our students,” he said during the meeting in the Conestoga High School cafeteria.

The district has implemented an equity initiative to treat all people with dignity and respect.

Parent Jay Joyce asked the district to share the materials.

Joyce said the parents recently obtained access to Pacific Education Group’s material that he deems has been proven unsuccessful by other educators.

The district’s solicitor, Brian R. Elias, said Pacific Education Group’s lawyer notified the district on June 7 that it could provide the materials to individuals who filed right-to-know forms with the district.

In April, Benjamin Auslander filed a federal lawsuit against the district, accusing the district of violating his right by not letting him record himself reading information provided that the group.

Pacific Education Group had told the district that it could not provide copies of the materials to the public because it was a violation of copyright laws.

The group has since been named a defendant in the lawsuit.

U.S. Senior Judge Bartle III has scheduled a settlement conference in November. If the case does not settle, it will be placed on the December trial list.

The superintendent advised parents to contact the teacher first if they are concerned about anything discussed in class. He said they can also contact the school principal with any concerns.

Kyle Boyer, a former school board member, thanked the board for promoting equality and democracy.