Some politicians continue to insist that Critical Race Theory isn’t being taught in elementary schools despite mounting evidence to the contrary. One of the latest examples to go public comes from Janney Elementary School in Washington, D.C., where students in preschool through third grade were presented with an assembly on being anti-racist.
A November 30 letter from school principal Danielle Singh detailed the event, Fox News reported. Speaker Doyin Richards, author of “Anti-Racism Fight Club Fist Book For Kids,” visited the elementary school to discuss some of the topics presented in his book.
“As part of this work, each student has a fist book to help continue the dialogue at school and home,” Singh’s letter to parents read.
“We recognize that any time we engage topics such as race and equity, we may experience a variety of emotions. This is a normal part of the learning and growing process. As a school community we want to continue the dialogue with our students and understand this is just the beginning.”
The linked document to Richards’ “fist book” does acknowledge that white people can experience “racial prejudice,” while also firmly asserting that white privilege is real and inescapable.
The text states that “white people are a part of a society that benefits them in almost every instance,” and that “it’s as if white people walk around with an invisible force field because they hold all of the power in America.”
“If you are a white person, white privilege is something you were born with and it simply means that your life is not more difficult due to the color of your skin,” the “Fistbook for Kids” says. “Put differently, it’s not your fault for having white privilege, but it is your fault if you choose to ignore it.”
The document includes tips for being an antiracist at any age. It says that anti-racism “isn’t a spectator sport” and that it requires “being loud, uncomfortable, confrontational and visible to ensure change is made.”
Parents reportedly received a link from the school, directing them to Richards’ “Anti-Racism Fight Club Fistbook” for adults, a book that claims, “racism is as American as apple pie and baseball.”
“As we sit here today, it is still woven into the fabric of our homes, communities, schools, government, economic system, healthcare, and so much more. As a matter of fact, it would be difficult to find one facet of our society where racism does not exist,” the book reads. “White supremacy isn’t the shark, it’s the ocean.”
One question students are encouraged to ask themselves reads, “Where do you see racism in yourself? This requires true soul-searching. Be real with yourself, don’t feel guilt/shame and own it. It’s the first step in becoming an anti-racist.”
Richards’ document also provides advice on dealing with “racism from loved ones.” It says adults in their lives can be wrong when it comes to matters of race.
“If someone doesn’t believe that people should be treated equally based on the color of their skin, then they are the problem. Parents need to stop making excuses for that behavior if they truly believe in anti-racism,” the document reads.
“Who in your family has racist beliefs? Do you think you can change their ways? What is your strategy for dealing with them?”
DC Public Schools told Fox News Digital in a statement that the original “Fistbook” was not shared with the Janney Elementary School students.
“DC Public Schools provides joyful and rigorous academic experiences for our students and is committed to advancing educational equity,” the district said. “In December, a resource link with this content was shared in a parent newsletter at one of our schools. It is not part of our DCPS curriculum and was not shared with students.”
The text of the principal’s letter seemed to imply the opposite of what the statement said.