Critical race theory spotlighted in Hamilton County school districts indystar.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from indystar.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A dozen parents and grandparents criticized diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts at Carmel Clay Schools to the school board on Monday night.
Calling the efforts political and promoting a “woke set of ideology, they criticized saying DEI emphasized differences which led to intolerance and bulling for those who disagree. They called for it to be removed from schools and condemned critical race theory, a concept that examines systemic racism as a part of American life.
District leaders stressed that the district doesn’t teach critical race theory and said they support the DEI work in schools.
They countered comments, saying DEI was essential to creating a safe learning environment for all students and to help them be prepared for the future. Two speakers also shared support for the work during public comment.
Amazing Audio: Carmel Parent’s Impassioned Speech Against Critical Race Theory to Carmel Clay School Board
Carmel parents and grandparents turned out en masse to a four-hour Carmel Clay School Board meeting Monday night to debate the district’s recent hiring of a diversity, equity, and inclusion officer.
In December, the Carmel Clay School District announced its decision to hire the district’s first such officer. Terri Roberts-Leonard, formerly the director of diversity and inclusion at Franklin College, started work on Jan. 19.
Roberts-Leonard’s duties include “recruiting and supporting a diverse staff, ensuring a positive educational experience for a diverse student body, and creating a safe and welcoming environment.”
Updated: 10:51 AM EST December 15, 2020
CARMEL, Ind. Carmel Clay Schools announced Terri Roberts-Leonard as the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator.
Roberts-Leonard will help the district’s recruiting, retaining, and supporting of a diverse staff, educating a diverse student body, and creating a safe and welcoming environment.
In August, a group of families in Carmel called on the school district to take action over concerns of racism at Carmel High School.
Organizers with Carmel Against Racial Injustice (CARI) said they had been contacted by numerous students at the school who detailed incidents of repeated racism at the high school.
At the time, the district responded by saying it had current and future plans to work in equity and inclusion as part of its strategic plan. The district also said it would not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability.