Good morning, 

Here is today's Texas Minute.

– Brandon Waltens 

Monday, May 24, 2021
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• It might be hard to believe, but there is only one week left in the current legislative session in Austin. 
   
• After the session comes to an end, Texas Scorecard will be examining the wins, losses, and outcomes of conservative legislative priorities.
   
• One issue that that is close to crossing the finish line is a ban on teaching Critical Race Theory in Texas public schools.
   
• But what exactly is Critical Race Theory?

• According to the Center for American Renewal:
   

  • Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a theory espousing that all of society is racialized and properly viewed through a prism of identity groups based on race and color, with minorities being the oppressed while white people serve as the oppressor.
     

  • In this ideology’s framing, all of society’s ills are ultimately caused by white people and the various “systems” that CRT adherents associate with “white culture.” This includes Christianity, capitalism, traditional marriage, rule of law, traditional family structures, and a republican form of government. CRT teaches that white people are inherently and irredeemably racist and benefit from various systemically racist power structures that white people have put in place and perpetuate.
     

  • Similarly, America and its founding are taught to be systemically racist. The purpose of CRT is to sow division among Americans under the guise of “equity” and “diversity.” CRT completely contradicts the foundational American creed that Americans are created with equal dignity and with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

• Even in Texas, we have seen examples of Critical Race Theory seeping into our public schools.
   
• For example, last week Tera Collum reported that parents in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD in North Texas have found critical race theory and programs using its terminology being taught in their schools, even as district officials deny it.
   
• In another nearby district, Carroll ISD, parents rose up earlier this month and  replaced two members of the school board after the district had implemented a controversial  Cultural Competence Action Plan that incorporated parts of Critical Race Theory. 

• So what is the Texas Legislature doing to stop the insidious practice? 
   
• Earlier this month, legislation by State Rep. Steve Toth to ban critical race theory in Texas public schools was significantly altered in the Texas House after  Toth accepted numerous Democrat amendments to water down the bill.
   
• For example, one amendment required the teaching of “the history of white supremacy.” Another amendment added the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the life and work of Cesar Chavez. And another, requires teaching the history of LULAC, the League of Latin American Citizens, a leftist political group that advocates for open borders.
   
• On Friday evening, however, the Texas Senate approved the bill, with the controversial Democrat amendments stripped away. It will now be sent back to the House for them to either approve, or send to a conference committee to hash out the details behind closed doors.

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