The term “critical race theory” essentially means having an honest discussion about our history and the issue of racism in America. It appears that the events of January 6, 2021, failed to convince many politicians—particularly those in the Republican Party—that systemic racism remains a significant problem in our country. As if the tragic deaths of unarmed Black and Brown individuals weren’t enough to prompt action, there are still those who resist teaching our youth about racism and its role in perpetuating systemic inequalities.
Historically, systemic racism in America has its roots in slavery. Today, individuals in positions of power, from Congress to local school boards, are actively fighting against the accurate teaching of American history. Acknowledging the truth compels us to act responsibly and change our behaviors.
Recently, Chip and Joanna Gaines—famous for their show “Fixer Upper” and their five children—made headlines for reasons unrelated to home renovation. Last month, they contributed $1,000 to Chip’s sister, who is campaigning for a school board position near Fort Worth, Texas. While a $1,000 donation might not seem significant, the news gained traction because Shannon Braun, Chip’s sister, is opposed to teaching critical race theory in schools, advocating instead for a focus on academic subjects.
It’s surprising to recall that the Gaineses participated in an episode of Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man, during which Chip raised a thought-provoking question: “How do we tackle and resolve an issue that some in our community don’t even recognize?” This episode aired in June 2020, just a month after George Floyd’s murder.
In the wake of Floyd’s death, many sought to take action—whether by joining protests, donating to organizations, or vowing to educate themselves and strive for societal change. The Gaineses seemed to share this sentiment during their appearance with Emmanuel Acho. Yet, it appears we’ve reverted to old habits, with some now attempting to erase the truth of racism from public discourse—like the Gaineses’ support for Braun’s campaign. This trend of downplaying racism is troubling, and it places them on the wrong side of history.
An article titled “Disputing Racism’s Reach, Republicans Rattle American Schools” clarifies the situation. Reporters Trip Gabriel and Dana Goldstein explain that Republicans are targeting “critical race theory,” a graduate-level framework that has been integrated into K-12 education. This concept asserts that historical racism is embedded in laws and institutions, and that the legacies of slavery and segregation still disadvantage Black and other people of color today. Rejecting critical race theory equates to denying the existence of racism in America.
Jonathan Rosado, a middle school teacher in New York City, emphasizes the importance of teaching students to think critically about race and racism: “Students must recognize racial inequalities and understand the historical context of these unjust systems.” He argues for the necessity of discussing race in classrooms, stating that using critical race theory equips students with the context and skills essential for their futures.
The advancement of our society hinges on how we confront racism today. Preventing the teaching of critical race theory stalls progress and limits educational opportunities for our children. Perhaps Chip’s donation was merely a brotherly gesture, or perhaps it stemmed from obligation, given that his parents contributed $2,000 to her campaign. Regardless, it sends a concerning message about their stance on teaching the realities of racism in schools.
As a long-time fan of “Fixer Upper,” I felt disillusioned while watching the Gaineses converse with Acho. I realized that, despite their intentions, they may not fully grasp the complexities of the issues at hand. Their $1,000 donation communicates a message contrary to their earlier aspirations of fostering understanding and education about racism.
We have much work ahead to comprehend and combat racism in our society. Recognizing that education is crucial for preventing the repetition of our past mistakes is essential. As one teacher pointed out, “If Black children are old enough to experience racism, White children are old enough to learn about it.” This reality check is vital for those who deny the importance of education on race. Jonathan Rosado also notes that teachers often feel uncomfortable discussing race and racism, highlighting the need for professional development in this area.
Ultimately, history must be taught accurately and comprehensively to help us progress. The onus of educating one another about race should not fall solely on Black individuals; it requires collective effort. One would expect that prominent figures like Chip and Joanna Gaines could understand this responsibility.
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In summary, Chip and Joanna Gaines’ support of a school board candidate who opposes critical race theory raises questions about their commitment to confronting racism. Their actions illustrate the ongoing struggle to address historical injustices in education. As society grapples with these issues, it is crucial to foster open discussions about race and ensure that children learn the truth about our history.