American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten claimed critical race theory is not taught in K-12 schools.
In a Tweet, she wrote, “Critical Race Theory is not taught in K-12 schools. The right’s culture warriors are labeling any discussion of race, racism or discrimination as such to try to make it toxic. They’re bullying teachers to try and keep them from teaching the truth.” Weingarten referred to recent Republican-led legislation banning the teaching of CRT. States that have enacted bills against CRT include Florida and Idaho.
Just last week, the National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers union representing three million educators, announced a pro-CRT policy plan. The legislation, published by the NEA, expresses support for a Critical Race Theory curriculum, the 1619 Project, and Black Lives Matter at School. According to the association, implementing the legislation will cost $127,600.
The document reads, “The Association will further convey that in teaching these topics, it is reasonable and appropriate for curriculum to be informed by academic frameworks for understanding and interpreting the impact of the past on current society, including critical race theory.”
On June 14, the ATF, the second-largest union, expressed support for the teaching of CRT, saying, “critical race theory allows educators to give our students the opportunity to understand the full breadth and depth of the American society.” Both unions contradicted the claims of ATF President Weingarten.
