A couple who left California over the teaching of critical race theory in schools, is now fighting to keep the topic off the curriculum in Utah.
Gloria and Oscar Vindas said the teaching of the subject in schools was ‘one of the main reasons’ they chose to relocate to Utah, where they were shocked to find that it was also taught in schools.
Critical race theory examines the influence of race and racism on America’s laws, politics and culture, taking into consideration issues such as white supremacy and institutionalized racism.
Its place in schools has become a hot button issue, with supporters of its inclusion in curricula arguing it will eventually help lead to a fairer society, and detractors saying it is inherently divisive.
Speaking to Fox News, Gloria Vindas claimed that critical race theory was rooted in Marxism and said she was concerned about where teaching the subject might lead.
‘I’ve taught my son against that [Marxism], so I’d have to say my biggest fear is where this leads.
‘I think when critical race theory is first presented – it can be presented in a lot of ways at school – and it can sound really good in the beginning but the more you go in and follow it, the more divisive it becomes.’
A couple who left California over the teaching of critical race theory in schools, is now fighting to keep the topic off the curriculum in Utah. Gloria (left) and Oscar Vindas said the teaching of the subject in schools was ‘one of the main reasons’ they chose to relocate to Utah, where they were shocked to find that it was also taught in schools
Gloria said she had been homeschooling her 16-year-old son since the seventh grade ‘due to common core and critical race theory in California.’
‘I pulled him out and I was excited to put him in here [in Utah],’ she said.
However, after talking to locals and doing some research, Gloria said she found the teaching of critical race theory was even more prevalent in Utah than it had been in California.
Her husband, Oscar, questioned whether school was an appropriate place for children to learn about race and racism.
‘To be taught racism in schools is pretty harsh, I mean these kids are going to school to learn and they should be learning basic math, reading – learning skills – not being taught, you know, “just because of the color of your skin, you’re a racist,'” he said.
‘I think it’s very important to separate those things when you’re teaching children.’
The couple’s interview came after Gloria addressed the board of the Canyons School District on Tuesday on behalf of Utah Parents United, an advocacy group.
‘Teaching on multiculturalism and respecting different cultures is one thing, but teaching that our Caucasian brothers and sisters are systemically racist because of the way they were born is also racist,’ Gloria said in her speech, asking the board not to teach critical race theory.
The couple’s interview came after Gloria addressed the board of the Canyons School District on Tuesday on behalf of Utah Parents United, an advocacy group
Gloria told Fox that officials in Utah don’t listen to parents concerns over what their children are being taught in schools.
‘What’s shocking is Utah is mirroring the education system of California, and I would say it’s probably the most progressive in the Western states when it comes to critical race theory and the school board are not listening to any parents – they just refuse to listen – and that’s what we found in California, which was one of the main reasons we decided to move here.
‘So I’m concerned because it’s creating an environment here in Utah that’s creating more divide and I blame the officials at the top here in Utah,’ she said.
In response to Tuesday’s discussion on the teaching of critical race theory, the Utah Board of Education said curriculum was governed by each district.
Canyons School District spokesman Jeff Haney told KJZZ that critical race theory is not part of the district’s curriculum and there are no plans to incorporate it into teaching.
‘I found that they don’t call it the collegiate-level curriculum of critical race theory here but it is still being taught in the Utah education system and, if anything, I would say it’s actually more than the California education system,’ Gloria told Fox.
Salt Lake Education Foundation Director James Yapias, whose organisation works with schools in Salt Lake City School District, told KUTV on Tuesday:
‘It’s not about learning about someone’s specific culture, it’s more about the understanding of its history. Teachers are allowed to teach history, but also I think they should be able to tell the full story of everyone’s contribution to this country.’
