Critical race theory debate takes root in Orange County schools

On social media boards and in public school board meetings, some Southern California parents are in an uproar over how history, race and racism is taught in schools.

At the heart of the issue is what’s known as critical race theory, an academic approach that examines how racism appears in U.S. institutions and laws. Though the framework has been around for nearly four decades, Republicans and conservative media pundits have recently been condemning its use in public schools as the nation grapples with issues such as police brutality, which disproportionately harms Black Americans.

Nine states have banned the theory from being taught in classrooms altogether, a concern to many historians and free speech advocates. And now similar controversies are stirring in California, primarily in far-right enclaves.

In Los Alamitos Unified in Orange County, district officials faced a barrage of backlash from parents after adopting a curriculum that emphasized social justice and anti-racist teaching practices.

“These concepts are not unifying students, they are reinforcing negative division,” David Ryst, a parent of three in Los Alamitos, told the Orange County Register. “They are not giving teachers proper training. A lot of teachers who are vocal with their liberal ideas are pushing those ideas on students.”

But teachers and district leaders say that critical race theory is not even taught in schools. Instead, it’s become a flashpoint in larger culture wars being fueled by misinformation and divisive rhetoric.

“Critical race theory is not what we’re teaching in school,” said Andrew Pulver, superintendent of Los Alamitos. “What we’re really trying to do is provide multiple points of views, diverse stories and opinions within a variety of groups, race and thought. Promoting critical thinking and seeking different levels of understanding are goals.”