Parent fights Back Against Private School's Critical Race Curriculum
The parent of a young student at a New York private school has published a scathing letter against the school’s implementation of Critical Race Theory into course curriculum. Brearley is private, very expensive (54k/year), all-girls private school in Manhattan, New York City. Andrew Gutmann is the parent.
Gutmann recently pulled his daughter from Brearley over the school’s “antiracist” actions. In reality, Critical Race Theory and “antiracism” are plainly racist as should be “abundantly clear to any thinking parent,” Gutmann writes. Furthermore, he sent his letter to the over 600 families with students attending the school. In the letter, Gutmann claims that he has talked with numerous parents who all agree that the over-focus on race at Brearley has gone too far. However, “most parents are too fearful to speak up.” And this fear is amplified by cancel culture.
In the letter, Gutmann writes about ten things to which he strongly objects, all race-baiting practices associated with Critical Race Theory – things that Brearley is teaching impressionable children. Gutmann points out that “We have today in our country…the most unwise and unvirtuous leaders in our nation’s history.” He calls out both Republicans and Democrats. He goes on to say, “Schools like Brearley are supposed to be the training grounds for those leaders.” Gttmann aptly brings to light the fact that if young future-leaders are only taught divisiveness, there will never be an end to racial conflict. If students are only taught what to think instead of how to think, there will be no more innovation.
Gutmann’s first objection is perhaps the most powerful. He concisely states the reasons to oppose Critical Race Theory:
“I object to the view that I should be judged by the color of my skin. I cannot tolerate a school that not only judges my daughter by the color of her skin, but encourages and instructs her to prejudge others by theirs. By viewing every element of education, every aspect of history, and every facet of society through the lens of skin color and race, we are desecrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and utterly violating the movement for which such civil rights leaders believed, fought, and died.”
Why is a private school in New York City important? First, it shows us that people across the nation, not just in the Bible Belt, are sick of bad ideas that fuel racial tensions. Second, the political divide is not geographical as it was during the Civil War. Most blue states have significant pockets of red. Most red states have significant pockets of blue. Citizens cannot let down their guards. Even the small town, conservative parent must investigate his child’s curriculum. How much more for those in the often-progressive big cities? This is especially true as the Biden Administration wants to prioritize Critical Race and anti-American curriculum in the classroom.
Gutmann’s letter serves as a reminder that everyday citizens can stand up and speak out against the racial insanity and national suicide that is Critical Theory. Indeed, if everyday people do not stand up for what is good, there will not be good left to stand up for.
Gutmann ends, “But speak up you must. There is strength in numbers and I assure you, the numbers are there….For the sake of our community, our city, our country and most of all, our children, silence is no longer an option.”
Douglas Phillips is a native Texan, having been born and raised in the Lone Star State. He writes on political philosophy and current events.
