Hinsdale D-86 Enlists 'Social Justice Warrior': Resident

HINSDALE, IL — Earlier this month, the Hinsdale High School District 86 board approved a contract with consultants to provide "antiracist" and "race consciousness" training for staff, with two members dissenting.

At last week's school board meeting, Hinsdale resident Andrew Catton said it appeared as if the board rushed through the contracts with Saxman Consulting and Anew Collective Consulting, which are set to get paid $52,000 over the next 10 months.

"It didn't sound like any of you have reviewed what the consultants actually do," Catton said. "A simple Google search pulls up their web pages, and you can see that Christine Saxman calls herself a social justice warrior."

The term "social justice warrior" is used by conservatives to label those who push liberal views, particularly on racial issues.

As of Monday, the website for Saxman Consulting included no reference to "social justice warrior." But the page refers to Christine Saxman as a "white woman working for racial and social justice."

Saxman's website includes articles such as "My Child Is Sharing Conspiracy Theories and Racist Memes. What Do I Say?" and "Seductive Narratives: The Insurgence and Young White People."

For the second story, Saxman writes, "We need to talk with our young people about this white extremist insurrection. Far-right recruiters continue to target white youth, liberal and conservative, with tailored messages. We must counter those seductive narratives."

During his public comments, Catton asked the board to rescind its contracts with the consultants.

"I don't think you realize what you exposed the district to as far as legal risk and cost to the district," he said. "You guys have rushed through the approval of the contracts without doing your due diligence. I would ask you to revoke the approval until you investigate more."

The board did not respond to Catton's comments.

At the board meeting earlier this month, member Jeff Waters, who voted against the consulting contracts, said some of the training's content items seemed vague and that he needed more clarity. He said the term "equity" strikes fear in some who believe it serves a few while degrading opportunities for all.

"We have heard this back and forth at board meetings in the past, where people will come in with concern about CRT (critical race theory). I don't think that's the focal point of this concern of mine. I'm just looking for more clarity. If there's no bogeyman, and I'm sure there's not, that's not the spirit. The spirit is simply to understand what it is," Waters said.

Waters wanted a presentation from the consultants, but board President Terri Walker declined that request. Member Peggy James also voted against the contracts.

Twice before, Catton has submitted written comments to the board accusing the district of promoting critical race theory. But he and others have provided no evidence.

Critical race theory has 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.