Parents of kids at New England private schools launch campaign to fight 'indoctrination' of students with 'woke' ideas about race and social issues after they were told not to use gender-specific language
A group of parents whose children attend New England private schools has launched a campaign to fight the 'indoctrination' of students with 'woke' ideas about race and social issues after they were told not to use gender-specific language.
The Boston-based group Parents United said parents were 'shocked' about some of the teachings at a number of schools when they saw their children's online lessons at home during the pandemic.
Executive Director and cofounder of the group Ashley Jacobs told the Boston Globe students are 'being taught what to think, rather than how', as she vowed to fight for 'true diversity of thought' in classrooms.
In at least one unnamed school, Jacobs said middle school students were being told to consider their own gender identity.
Other examples the group has taken issue with are a discussion that assumed students were in support of Black Lives Matter and children being told not to use gender-specific language.
The campaign marks just the latest instance where parents across America are going to war with their children's schools over what they describe as 'woke' curriculum and the teaching of Critical Race Theory .
A group of parents whose children attend New England private schools has launched a campaign to fight the 'indoctrination' of students with 'woke' ideas about race and social issues. Pictured the website for Boston-based group Parents United
Jacobs slammed the private schools for pushing one-sided, inflammatory, or age-inappropriate content which has left students 'afraid to say anything because there are so many people can offend.'
The campaign also argues schools don't allow for different views on social issues, spend too much time on ideological, non-academic subjects, bring in programs from outside consultants rather than in-house educators and are teaching their children principles and values that should be left to parents to teach their children.
'We don't want people to feel scared to ask a question, or kids to be afraid to say anything because there are so many people can offend,' she told the Globe.
She added: 'It's hard to talk about this, and I think that's why more parents don't stand up.
'But there's more damage to be done by staying silent and allowing it to continue.'
Jacobs declined to share the names of the schools the parents had issues with, citing a fear of retaliation against the children, and several schools did not respond to the outlet when asked if they were involved.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Parents United for more detail on the specific schools and examples of the 'woke' curriculum being taught.
Since Jacobs cofounded the group in May along with three other moms in Boston, Parents United has written to the agencies responsible for accrediting schools in New England.
Executive Director and cofounder of the group Ashley Jacobs said students are 'being taught what to think, rather than how' in New England private schools
In a letter on May 11 to The Association of Independent Schools in New England and New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the group raised their 'growing concerns about the direction of education among New England schools.'
'As the public discourse erodes and the complexity of life increases, we believe that diverse viewpoints in K-12 education is more important than ever,' the letter reads.
'Critical thinking, logic, and other essential cognitive skills develop during childhood, and it is vital that our children learn to engage in thoughtful and respectful conversations.
'One cannot truly develop their own perspective until they understand additional viewpoints.'
The group warned about what it described as 'threats to free and open discourse' and the 'perilous implications of academic censorship' which 'pose a considerable and demonstrable threat to the quality education we wish to provide for our children.'
The parents called on the accreditors to 'help defend the “right to disagree”' by making the accreditation process include the need for schools to protect free speech of students, staff and parent and to ensure both students and educators are exposed to a variety of voices and thoughts.
The two agencies - as well as the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation - responded in a letter saying that the accreditation process includes 'permitting and encouraging freedom of inquiry, diversity of viewpoints, and independent and critical thinking' in schools.
Parents United sent a letter to the agencies responsible for accrediting schools in New England citing their 'growing concerns about the direction of education'
The agencies responded in a letter saying that the accreditation process includes 'permitting and encouraging freedom of inquiry, diversity of viewpoints, and independent and critical thinking' in schools
In a follow-up letter , the parents responded asking for an 'immediate meeting' with the accreditors
The accreditors declined (see letter above), saying it is not their role to 'redraft or change Standards with organizations that are not part of our membership'
CRITICAL RACE THEORY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
The fight over critical race theory in schools has escalated in the United States over the last year.
The theory has sparked a fierce nationwide debate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests around the country over the last year and the introduction of the 1619 Project.
The 1619 Project, which was published by the New York Times in 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American shores, reframes American history by 'placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the US narrative'.
The debate surrounding critical race theory regards concerns that some children are being indoctrinated into thinking that white people are inherently racist or sexist.
Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color.
Supporters, however, say the theory is vital to eliminating racism because it examines the ways in which race influence American politics, culture and the law.
The parents responded with a follow-up letter asking for an 'immediate meeting' with the accreditors.
They declined, saying it is not their role to 'redraft or change Standards with organizations that are not part of our membership.'
AISNE told the Globe she was aware that parents had a 'emotions and responses' to schools teaching race and equity in the classroom.
'Many parents feel affirmed and excited about it… and some schools have seen resistance from some parents,' she said.
Parents United has also partnered with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education , The Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism and 1776 Unites in its mission.
The debate around anti-racist teachings and CRT has largely been divided along party lines, with conservatives claiming it teaches children to regard themselves as 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on skin color.
Meanwhile, liberals say it is vital to understand how race impacts society in order to eliminate racism.
Jacobs insisted the group is not partisan however GOP donor Chris Egan and his wife Jean sit on the advisory board.
'We're not picking a side - that's the opposite of what we want,' she said, adding that it was created in order to 'empower parents to advocate for their children.'
She said around 400 unique users have visited the site and subscribed to its newsletter since its launch.
The group is now planning a conference for parents in Boston in October, and is carrying out a survey of New England students and parents.
Parents United is just one of a number of parent-led groups and campaigns launched in recent months to push back against what they say is 'woke' curriculum being taught in schools.
In Ohio, two moms founded the Pro-CA Coalition back in January, campaigning against what they say is 'political extremism and a culture of fear and administration' at private school Columbus Academy.
Parents United said it is non-partisan however GOP donor Chris Egan and his wife Jean (pictured together in May 2019) sit on the advisory board
As part of the campaign they say they have collected sworn testaments from other parents accusing the school of pushing progressive ideas about race on students and discriminating against conservative thinking.
The private school expelled the children of the parents who founded the group this month saying the parents breached their contract with the school to nurture a 'positive and constructive working relationship'.
Meanwhile, America's wealthiest suburb - Loudoun County, Virginia - has repeatedly hit headlines in recent months, with parents going to war with the school board over its anti-racist curriculum.
Parents are demanding the removal of several members of the school district board while school officials insist that CRT is not on the curriculum pointing to 'misconceptions and misinformation' in the media.
Last month, two people were arrested during a school board meeting that descended into chaos amid debates over CRT teachings and a new transgender policy.
Several parents of children at New York City elite private schools are also up in arms about them being taught critical race theory lessons from an early age.
At Dalton, a group of parents penned an anonymous open letter to the school describing an 'obsessive focus on race and identity'.
The school was then embroiled in further controversy as parents fumed that first-graders were shown sex education videos that appeared to include information about masturbation.
Parents United is just one of a number of parent-led groups and campaigns launched in recent months to push back against what they say is 'woke' curriculum being taught in schools. Loudoun County Public Schools (admin offices above) has been at the center of controversy
Parents in Loudoun County, Virginia, are seen protesting at a school district board meeting in June as they demand the removal of several members of the board while amid debates over CRT teachings and a new transgender policy
Parents attend a packed Loudoun County School board meeting in June which descended into chaos
Meanwhile, Spence came under fire for its diversity curriculum in April when it commented on Derek Chauvin's conviction for the murder of George Floyd.
The school, which boasts notable alum including Gwyneth Paltrow and Kerry Washington, sent a letter out and posted a statement on its website.
In it, head Bodie Brizendine called the conviction a 'crucible moment for our nation and for our ongoing struggle for racial justice and equity.'
'The jury's verdict, an important step toward accountability and healing, however, does not erase the tragedy of the murder of George Floyd, and there is important work ahead that requires our collective voice and courage,' the letter reads.
An alum who asked not to be named received the letter and was appalled, telling DailyMail.com she was shocked at 'how they forced students to get involved' in the trial.
'Where is the protection of innocence?' she said.
Critical Race Theory highlights how historical inequities and racism continue to shape public policy and social conditions today.
It has become a key focus on the curriculum of schools over the last year amid the nationwide reckoning for racial justice following the murder of George Floyd.
But it has starkly divided opinion.
Conservatives allege that students are being taught a warped version of American history that claims the impact of slavery remains present throughout society, while supporters say it is vital to understand how race impacts society in order to eliminate racism.
Teachers opposed to CRT are being muzzled at Ohio private school, say moms whose kids were expelled after they launched 'anti-woke' campaign
Teachers who oppose critical race theory are muzzled by their principal at an Ohio private school, according to two moms whose children were expelled after launching a campaign against 'woke' curriculum.
Andrea Gross and Amy Gonzalez made the claim on Fox & Friends First on Wednesday after Columbus Academy sent them a letter informing them that their children will not be reenrolled at the school, where tuition fees cost up to $30,000 a year.
The school said Gross and Gonzalez leveled 'false and misleading attacks' on the school and its leadership through their 'inflammatory' campaign, including making claims that students were being subjected to bomb sniffing dogs on campus.
Their actions amounted to a breach of their contract with the institution in which both parties promise to nurture a 'positive and constructive working relationship.'
Gross had two children enrolled in the school while Gonzalez had one.
In their appearance on Fox, the moms slammed the school for punishing their children for the activism of their parents - and claimed that teachers have had an equally difficult time voicing their opposition to CRT and other liberal ideologies being brought into the classroom.
Parents Andrea Gross and Amy Gonzalez were informed that their children will not be reenrolled at Columbus Academy, where tuition fees cost up to $30,000 a year
'I feel like it is unfortunate that when you are speaking out and you are trying to say your truth, unfortunately there are people who want to retaliate against you. In this case, they retaliated against our children, who are innocent,' Gross said.
Gonzalez chimed in, saying they weren't only fighting for the students, but the teachers of the school as well.
'We tried, in the best way possible, to represent and speak up not only for our children but also our teachers,' Gonzalez said.
'At a private school, they did not have a union. I believe a lot of it is coming from The National Association of Independent Schools.'
Gonzalez also claimed that teachers didn't have the proper support to come forward with their own issues.
'We feel like how are they going to come forward?' Gonzalez asked. 'They have one-year contracts, which whenever they have any grievances, they don’t have an H.R. department, they have to take that to the head of school as well.'
The moms added that they asked for a 'confidential reporting line' for teachers and were rebuffed.
It's not clear if any teachers have attempted to complain about the teaching of CRT at the school.
Tucker Carlson also spoke about the growing furor at Columbus Academy during his show on Tuesday night - comparing the school to the Soviet Union.
'In the past year, Columbus Academy, which has a long history of academic excellence, has become race-obsessed,' Carlson said.
'School administrators aren’t working to help unwed teenage mothers or improve black neighborhoods. That might actually make the country better. If you want to talk about race, maybe you could improve someone’s life. But they’re not.
'Instead, they’re doing what all guilty white liberals do. They’ve adopted the same familial racist curriculum: some people are better than others based on the color of their skin,' Carlson continued.
'A lot of parents went along with it. They didn’t say a word. They didn’t know what was happening, or they were too afraid to speak up. But two mothers decided they weren’t going to have it, so they objected.
Speaking of the two moms, he said: 'Their mission was to stop the bigotry and return the school to its academic mission: teaching kids to read, teaching them history, showing them to do math.
'Last month, instead of punishing them, the school decided to punish their children. Columbus Academy kicked their three daughters out of school. They expelled them for what their mother did. So, challenge the regime and we’ll hurt your children. The Soviets did it. Columbus Academy did it too.'
Carlson concluded, 'In other words, if you dare to question us, we won’t disagree with you, we’ll attack you, well hurt your children, and we’ll accuse you of assault. You’re making us afraid.'
Tucker Carlson spoke about the growing furor at Columbus Academy during his show on Tuesday night, comparing the school administration's tactics to the Soviet Union
Columbus Academy pictured. The Ohio private school expelled three students whose moms led a coalition campaigning against Critical Race Theory being taught to their children
In a letter sent to the parents, seen by Fox News, CA Head of School Melissa Soderberg and Board of Trustees President Jonathan Kass said Gross and Gonzalez had caused 'pain, and even fear for physical safety, among students, families, faculty, and staff.'
The parents 'pursued a course of action that has been anything but civil, respectful and faithful to the facts.'
'Instead you have engaged in a campaign against Columbus Academy through a sustained, and increasingly inflammatory, series of false and misleading attacks on the School and its leadership,' reads the letter.
'Your actions caused pain, and even fear for physical safety, among students, families, faculty, and staff.'
The letter also says the two moms pushed 'false' claims that bomb sniffing dogs were patrolling the school and used a 'sham' video as part of their campaign.
'Among other things, no bomb sniffing dogs were brought to campus – the Gahanna Police Department does not even have dogs, bomb sniffing or otherwise – and there were never police cars with flashing lights,' the letter reads.
The letter claims the two mothers plotted how they and other parents could withhold paying their children's tuition to the school 'until your demands are met.'
'You have taken steps to explore how you, and with your encouragement, others, could withhold tuition payments and place them in escrow until your demands are met,' it reads.
'You have also discussed pursuing charitable entity status for your organization, in the stated hope of persuading Columbus Academy donors to re-direct their contributions to your organization where you could use the funds as leverage to pursue your agenda.'
Columbus Academy pictured displaying a banner that says it 'Stands Against Racism'
The two moms founded the Pro-CA Coalition back in January, campaigning against what they say is 'political extremism and a culture of fear and administration' at Columbus Academy.
As part of the campaign they say they have collected sworn testaments from other parents accusing the school of pushing progressive ideas about race on students and discriminating against conservative thinking.
Around 400 other parents of Columbus Academy students are said to have joined the campaign.
Gross and Gonzalez blasted the decision to deny their 'innocent' children's reenrolment as 'retaliation' against them for spearheading the campaign against the school.
They accused the school's leadership of trying to silence them and 'intimidate' other parents who speak out.
'The school's retaliation will forever affect my innocent children,' Gross said in a statement, per PRNewswire.
Gonzalez called the move 'retaliatory and discriminatory.'
They also pushed back on the school's claims that there were no bomb sniffing dogs on the grounds telling Fox they have several sworn affidavits testifying to incidents at the school, including some in relation to this.
A Columbus spokesperson defended the decision telling Fox that waging a public campaign of 'inflammatory attacks' if a violation of the school's enrollment agreement.
'Columbus Academy does not comment on the circumstances of any student or family,' the spokeperson said.
'However, any parent who waged a public campaign of false and misleading statements and inflammatory attacks harmful to the employees, the reputation, or the financial stability of Columbus Academy would be in clear violation of the Enrollment Agreement and would be denied re-enrollment for the following school year.'
The school did not provide examples of such 'attacks' or 'false or misleading statements' and the two moms denied attempting to withhold payments to the school.
However, during a Blunt Force Truth podcast interview in April, Gross and Gonzalez discussed the possibility of withholding funds.
They also spoke of it being 'easier to go for an individual than an institution.'
The topic of withholding tuition payments was also brought up in a May Zoom call, the moms told Fox, but insisted they did not follow through with any such plan.