The White County Board of Education Thursday night declared the issue of Critical Race Theory and the accusations against the school group “Warriors for Social Justice” closed.
A group of about 200 people attended Thursday night’s regular board meeting during which more charges were made that the school system is teaching Critical Race Theory and Marxist ideas.
Several members of the local group Citizens for Transparent Education repeated their claims made back in July that an after-school teacher group ‘Warriors for Social Justice” was promoting these ideals. A total of six people spoke, among those was James King, who is leading the citizen group. He told the board, “We will not stop until all White County students are safe from Warriors for Social Justice.”
After hearing from the citizens, White County Board of Education Chair Missy Jarrard said that the White County Board of Education has thoroughly investigated the allegations brought forth regarding this teacher support group. “We have found nothing to support the claims that Critical Race Theory has been brought into any curriculum or has impacted instruction in any way.”
Jarrard further stated that the school system has followed the state board standards.
The large crowd that gathered at the meeting was there in support of the school system and White County School Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett. The size of the crowd prompted the board to move its meeting from the board room to the gym at White County Middle School.
Jarrard concluded by saying “The members of the board of education support White County Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett and the teachers and staff of the White County School System. At this point and this level, the White County Board of Education considers this matter closed.”
Each of the board members personally voiced their support of the superintendent and the school system.
Following Thursday’s meeting James King, founder of Citizens for Transparent Education, released the following statement:
“I am extremely disappointed in the behavior and conduct of the White County Board of Education tonight, but especially John Solomon. Not once have I vilified any individual member of the Board of Education, but my character, professionalism, intelligence, and credibility were all slandered tonight by three of the five Board of Education members. I have repeatedly called for forgiveness of all 19 members of Warriors for Social Justice because I believe we all make mistakes. While I have shared quotes and other documentation by the 19, I have not degraded the character or integrity of the individuals themselves.
What I have unwaveringly called for is the group itself to be disbanded, for the Board of Education to enact policies preventing similar groups from being formed, and to promote transparency. I am now calling for an apology from the Board of Education as well. I cannot fathom why these simple requests have been met with such hostility.
The White County Board of Education may officially consider this matter closed, but as I said in my speech tonight we will continue our efforts to protect White County’s children.”
