Saturday, March 27, 2021

Backlash to Inclusion in RISD Is Strong

A mother in Richardson ISD posted this flyer on Facebook, saying that it was put up at a junior high school in RISD, then added, "My 11 year old asked why aren’t whites and Asians welcome." In 24 hours, the post has attracted 455 comments. Backlash to inclusion in RISD is strong.


A local right-wing talk radio host also picked up on the flyer. I can't explain the backlash. Just that it is.

Children's questions are a great learning opportunity. Did the mother attempt to hone her child's critical thinking skills? Did she ask him to examine the premise of his or her question? Is the premise even true? Did she challenge him to put this flyer in context of other messages of support? Maybe like this?

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
Source: Sermon on the Mount.

Hey Jesus, where is "Blessed are the white people"? Huh?

1 comment:

Mark Steger said...

The issue came up in the public comment portion of the RISD school board meeting on April 5. My favorite summary of the public input came in a Facebook comment:

Crystalyn Roberts
"Out of the 21 speakers...
1 spoke mostly of the district not meeting academic standards and needing to focus on academics only (thinly veiled against teaching diversity, equity, inclusion)
2 advocated for eliminating COVID protocols including masks.
3 asked for the district to eliminate white privilege rhetoric and to stop diversity/equity/inclusion curriculum
6 were upset by the inclusion of books that include characters who are LGBTQ, and don't want all children to be represented in or see themselves represented in books in the library.
8 spoke about the great importance of all children seeing themselves represented in books, especially LGBTQ students and how these books must remain in our school libraries
... and there was Mr. Ames..."