ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - While the heated debate over the teaching of critical race theory continues in school board and legislative meetings, the question remains, is it being taught in local schools?
"I can't say that it's not being in any of our districts, but certainly my understanding from talking to school leaders is that it's not widespread if it is," says EducationPlus CEO Paul Ziegler.
Ziegler leads the local education organization that includes superintendents, school board members and other schools leaders from 54 local districts and six charter schools.
He says he isn't intimately aware of every district's curriculum, but he doesn't believe the controversial topic is part of what's being taught.
Related
Ziegler says another question that must be answered, what exactly is critical race theory.
"Often times Critical Race Theory is incorporating things like diversity, equity and inclusion, which are things that we've been working on in schools for decades," Ziegler says. "And trying to define that Critical Race Theory and what that means is really part of what we're trying to understand when people are looking for that information."
While he's confident districts are not teaching critical race theory, he says understanding that racism has been present in our communities has to be taught.
"I do think that understanding that racism has been present in our communities is certainly something that needs to be included because we have lots of examples over the years where racism was present," Ziegler says.
A hearing was held Monday by the Missouri Joint Committee on Education and the only witnesses invited to speak were those who oppose the controversial curriculum. State leaders say it will not be the last hearing about it.
Missouri NAACP President Rod Chapel called it "ridiculous" to have a conversation about inequity while “excluding the very people who are saying we’ve been treated inequitably."
Rep. Nick Schroer of Lake Saint Louis suggested the curriculum be banned in Missouri, although it's not known if any schools are teaching it right now.
© 2021 KMOX (Audacy). All rights reserved
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Follow KMOX
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram