Pandemic, critical race theory resolutions pass on split votes in Placentia-Yorba Linda school district

 

Only four of the 31 resolutions adopted by the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District's board of trustees since the beginning of last year have passed by less-than-unanimous votes.

That's because most of the resolutions related to routine, non-controversial matters, such as celebrating teacher and classified employees appreciation weeks, recognizing mental health month, approving developer fees and noting the availability of a sufficient number of textbooks.

The four resolutions adopted on 3-2 and 4-1 votes dealt with pandemic-related matters and, the latest, which was passed 3-2 on April 5, adopted the ban on teaching critical race theory.

The pandemic resolutions included a request the state health department revise guidance on face coverings, a request the governor reconsider or rescind a covid-19 mandate for students and staff and modification of the county health agency's self-isolation and quarantine orders.

The April 5 resolution, with 12 “whereas” paragraphs and four “resolve” paragraphs, states that the district “will not include critical race theory as a framework in any course offerings.”

One of the “resolves” says the state's ethnic studies model curriculum defines critical race theory “as a practice of interrogating race and racism in society” and “recognizes that race is not biologically real but is socially constructed and socially significant.”

he resolve states the model curriculum definition “acknowledges that racism is embedded within systems and institutions that replicate racial inequality – codified in law, embedded in structures and woven into public policy.”

A second resolve notes the district “honors the experiences of all students by encouraging instruction that explores the history, philosophy and structures that comprise the American experience.”

That resolve states the board “seeks to support the teaching of respectful communication, empathy and understanding by allowing students to see themselves and each other as part of the narrative.”

A third resolve says the district “supports efforts in education to promote equity, respect, diversity; celebrate the contributions of all; and encourage culturally relevant and inclusive teaching practices, but will not allow the use of critical race theory as a framework to guide such efforts.”

The resolution also says the district “will not tolerate racism, racist conduct, bigotry or anything that constitutes hate crimes;” notes the resolution “has to do with how topics of race will be taught...not what topics will be taught;” and “nothing in this resolution shall be construed to restrict academic freedom or student speech.”

The 3-2 votes pitted trustees elected in 2020, Marilyn Anderson, Leandra Blades and Shawn Youngblood, against board veterans Carrie Buck and Karin Freeman. Freeman was opposed in a 4-1 vote.

All 2021-22 resolutions can be viewed at pylusd.org (click on “board” and “board resolutions”).