I am white and critical race theory does not make me “feel bad.”
What really makes me feel bad/angry/sad is that while the Utah Board of Education and the Utah Legislature frittered away time considering how critical race theory “makes white students feel bad” about racism, young black, brown and indigenous children are subjected to ongoing racist verbal, non-verbal, and even physical abuse from peers, staff, and instructors, recently contributing to the tragic loss of a young, African American girl by suicide. How many more must die, feel suicidal, have diminished health or mental health, or be subjected to degradation while in school before we pay attention and require change?
To legislators and school officials, please do not offer “your prayers and condolences” to the grieving family unless you are committed to making serious changes and holding implicated adults and systems accountable.
If legislators and school officials would work to change the systemic racism, sexism, and transphobia entrenched in our schools, they could help many students, including white students, to feel significantly better. It’s sure to be a good deal more effective than debating the merits of a theory not even taught in our K-12 schools.
Christina Gringeri, Salt Lake City