Communities across the U.S. have been embroiled in a politically orchestrated campaign of misinformation surrounding the teaching of Critical Race Theory, anti-racism workshops, and other anti-racism education. Unfortunately, Minnesota has not escaped the efforts of fringe organizations to spread lies within our communities.
Critical Race Theory (CRT) is defined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw as a critique of how the social construction of race and institutionalized racism perpetuate a racial caste system that relegates people of color to the bottom tiers. CRT also recognizes that race intersects with other identities, including sexuality, gender identity, and others. CRT recognizes that racism continues to be pervasive in the U.S. The research is clear, a race-conscious curriculum does not divide communities or inhibit academic outcomes; the impact is the opposite. Teaching students the truth, that racism is systemic, structured into the fabric of our society and culture, improves cross-racial attitudes and relationships, particularly for students of color, who are now the majority of U.S. K-12 students. A race-conscious curriculum increases learning opportunities, retention, and graduation. Faculty are keenly aware that students bring to class their ongoing experiences with race and the vast majority welcome curricula that help make sense of those experiences.
The IFO unequivocally supports academic freedom, including CRT, and the implementation of an ethnic studies graduation requirement for all MinnState students. Combating the impacts of systemic racism is at the forefront of our advocacy efforts. We believe the outcome of higher education should be to provide students the critical thinking skills that prepare them to be conscious leaders and citizens who recognize the value of diversity and equity, and who embrace the fundamental rights of everyone, regardless of their background.
Many social justice movements have been led by faculty, counselors, and coaches in university classrooms and communities. This activism ultimately carries forward in the lives of students and surrounding communities, resulting in meaningful and lasting change. Our work in defense of CRT and race-conscious curriculum continues that tradition.
The IFO will continue to be unwavering in defense of academic freedom and dedicated to initiatives to advance equity and inclusion. We are firmly committed to being an anti-racist union informed by CRT, and anti-racist education that acknowledges the history and ongoing impacts of racial constructs in the legal, social, and economic structures for people of color and other marginalized members of our communities. The change we pursue will lead to real change, so all students have the opportunity to succeed.