Is a Social Justice Curriculum Mandated By Nevada Law?
Social Justice curricula in its purest form reeks of divisiveness and shaming. WCSD continues to push this idea that social justice topics must be taught in the schools because of Nevada legislation requiring it. This is not necessarily true. While multicultural topics must be addressed, there is no mandate on social justice topics being taught.
Legislation AB 261 Doesn't Require Social Justice
Last June, after much debate and community input, the proposed Benchmark supplemental curriculum for our K-5 classrooms was eliminated as an option; however, a Superintendent's Task Force was set up to create and review supplemental social justice curricula available as an option for teachers to use in their classrooms at their discretion. The push for this curriculum is coming from AB 261 which was introduced and passed in Nevada's last legislative session. There is nothing in this bill that states “social justice” must be taught. In fact, the bill calls for the teaching of the history and contributions of many diverse cultures and lifestyles. Most parents would love to know their children are being taught about multicultural contributions to society in science, art, history and more. Unfortunately, the bill also leaves a gaping hole for interpretation, which allows individual teachers to decide how they want to teach “multiculturalism”. You can see where a freight train of propaganda might be introduced. According to a recent interview with the Deputy Superintendent of Student Achievement at the State of Nevada Department of Education, Jonathan Moore, he states that he would like to see the K-5 grades’ multicultural study focus on the idea of “conflict”. This has us puzzled and concerned. How does Mr. Moore’s interpretation of AB 261 and its intent of discussing multicultural contributions lean towards the idea of conflict? That is a question we all need to be asking our Department of Education.
Social Justice Is Divisive & Communities Don't Want It
We are firm believers that there is room for multiculturalism at every level. As we learn to appreciate and admire one another's differences, we can better understand one another and build mutual respect and unity. But, “social justice” focuses on shaming and blaming. It lifts one cultural group at the expense of another. No child should be subjected to divisive curricula in any form, especially at such a young age. According to a recent poll by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), it shows that 69% of blacks, 70% of Hispanics and 70% of whites said “schools these days pay too much attention to the differences between ethnic and racial groups and not enough to what they have in common.”
Parents Listen for Social Justice In The Classroom
As the curriculum is developed by the Superintendent’s Social Justice Task Force, we suggest parents start listening to the words and the framework of the lessons as they are proposed. There are buzz words that are used not only in CRT, but also in “Social Justice'' that will be presented in teachings. These buzzwords range from the seemingly innocent terms like diversity and inclusion, to equity, micro-aggressions, intersectionality, and marginalized. The original curriculum proposed, even had reference to oppressed and oppressor. Some of these types of lessons may already be being taught in WCSD middle and high school classes. If your child comes home with stories of teachers teaching personal political dogmas, or with stories of divisive lessons, contact your school’s principal and let them know what is being taught in their school and how it is affecting your child. You can also send BBME an email to let us know what you are seeing at info@battlebornme.org.