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Ask the Tough Questions

In correspondence with Board of Education (BOE) Chair Katie Balestracci and all of its members, I voiced my concern about their Equity and Social Justice Initiative, which is code for Critical Race Theory (CRT). Her response arrived more than three weeks later.

Among other topics, I pointed to CRT theory seeking a level outcome (equity) rather than a level playing field (equality), which is a Marxist ideology—a political and economic theory with a classless society. Academia achieves equity through a lack of variety of excellence levels whether or not students exhibit proclivity, talent, or diligence. The implementation of this theory in Guilford may result in the reduction or elimination of advanced offerings to 8th grade, Guilford High School (GHS) levels of courses, and some or all AP courses.

Katie’s response was: “There is nothing about the equity and social justice initiative that has, or would, lead to the reduction or removal of advanced course offerings. I have no idea where this suggestion has come from, but it is completely false.”

I heard crickets from the balance of the BOE.

Does Guilford plan on removing levels at GHS? Eliminating honors and AP classes? Will geometry classes become blended? I’m worried about what equity will look like in a future classroom setting. Why are honors students reading at the 7th grade level? If the National Education Association is defending CRT, will our Guilford Education Association follow suit? Will Guilford continue the pandemic-era practice of eliminating midterms, finals, and a no-fail policy, or is that a permanent policy that pushes the equity and social justice crusade?

I urge your readers to ask the BOE tough questions like these. I encourage your readers to vote for candidates this fall who’ll challenge the adoption of CRT and its various iterations in Guilford Public Schools.

Mary Beeman

Guilford