Hinsdale 86 Accused Of Pushing Race Theory

HINSDALE, IL — Twice, Hinsdale resident Andrew Catton has accused Hinsdale High School District 86 of promoting critical race theory, but he has yet to provide evidence.

Catton has submitted strongly worded comments that have been read at the last two board meetings. His focus has been on the controversial theory, often called CRT. It's been around for four decades and examines societal issues through the lens of race. Proponents see racism as part of legal systems and policies, not just the result of individual prejudice. Lately, it has become a lightning rod among conservatives.

"To my dismay, I was appalled to see that this radical ideology has not only made simple inroads, but rather has been made a part of the district's 5-year strategic plan," he said. "Forcing all decision-making through a racial or gender identity politics prism while bashing American history along the way will be catastrophic for the school system. If you cannot see how this can be harmful to the student body, student teacher interaction and even parent and student relationships, what business do any of you have being on the board? It's borderline criminal."

Catton did not give any examples in which he believed the district was "bashing American history."

The strategic plan discussed at Thursday's school board meeting has a number of goals under the "equity" category. There is no mention of critical race theory or anything resembling it. Perhaps Catton was referring to the goal that says the district is "designing and implementing a culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogy that interrupts racism and other systems of oppression and allows all students to see themselves in their schooling."

At a board meeting last month, member Erik Held said Catton may be confused by the district's use of the acronym, CRT. In the district's case, he said, it means "culturally responsive teaching" practices. Such instruction, he said, is part of "cultivating social and emotional skills that allow our kids to develop into good citizens."

In his written comments Thursday, Catton had a response for Held: "You tried to pass this off as culturally responsive teaching. You are either naive or just plain ignorant. This is just a euphemism for CRT."

Catton proposed Patrice Payne, who was recently hired for the newly created position of director of instructional equity, explain "how it will be beneficial to the 95%+ white student population that they are inherently racist oppressors and the rest are oppressed?"

He provided no evidence the district planned to tell white students they are oppressors and the others that they are oppressed.

He was incorrect in saying that more than 95 percent of students in District 86 are white. At Hinsdale Central, 68 percent of the student body is listed as white, with 20 percent Asian, 8 percent Hispanic and 2 percent African American, according to the Illinois Report card website. At Hinsdale South, 57 percent is white, with 17 percent African American, 14 percent Hispanic and 10 percent Asian.

Catton said the school board was allowing critical race theory without public input.

"What secret wisdom do you on the board think you have to let something so divisive and cancerous to move forward without as much as a whimper in response? Where is the debate? Where is the outreach to the community to inform them of this grand plan? I am sure it will not be as warmly received as you perceive," he said. "Don't worry, though, I am sure all those students taking ceramics class will give you their support."