No Race Theory In Hinsdale D86: Conservative

HINSDALE, IL – Andrew Catton, arguably the most conservative candidate running for the Hinsdale High School District 86 board, says critical race theory is not being taught in the district.

But he advises the district to be on guard against its migration into the classroom.

His statements were in response to a questionnaire from Patch.

They stand in contrast to his repeated comments to the board in 2021. That was when he argued that critical race theory was influencing the district's operations.

Critical race theory is a decades-old legal and academic framework that looks at and critiques how race and racism shaped the U.S. laws and institutions that remain in place today.

The phrase has become a catchall for various claims about racism and race relations in the United States having nothing to do with critical race theory itself.

In its recent questionnaire to District 86 candidates, Patch asked whether the theory was being taught in local schools.

Catton, a Hinsdale resident, responded the district has no critical race theory courses.

"I am advocating for the public and district leadership to be informed and aware of this movement and to guard against its migration into D86 classrooms," Catton said. "No one is claiming that CRT texts are being taught now, rather that there is an inherent risk to the quality of curriculum and source documents because of those who have influence over each."

Catton said it was widely known that supporters of critical race theory have openly encouraged "infusing these divisive ideas and concepts into the classroom."

"Any approach that includes blaming and shaming students works directly against our community values and education excellence expectations," he said.

In summer 2021, Catton twice submitted written comments about critical race theory that were read at two board meetings.

"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 in one instance. "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."

The election is April 4. The other candidates are Asma Akhras, Kay Gallo, Catherine Greenspon and Deborah Willoughby.