#CRT

Ok, so can you explain what Critical Race Theory is in let's say, a paragraph? If you can, congrats! You know that the screams coming from Fox News are all bullshit and that #CRT is not the boogieman the propaganda machine the Right in America would have you believe. But the garden variety citizen in America probably cannot tell you what CRT is, and states like Texas (well, duh) are more than willing to take advantage of that and erase any talk of race and racism from the classroom:

And the TPPF is just who you think they are:

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) is a conservative think tank based in Austin, Texas. The organization was founded in 1989 by James R. Leininger, who sought intellectual support for his education reform ideas, including public school vouchers. Projects of the organization include Right on Crime, which is focused on criminal justice reform, and Fueling Freedom, which seeks to "explain the forgotten moral case for fossil fuels" by rejecting the scientific consensus on climate change.

@wiki

Reading who they are is like reading a shopping list of fuckery and their description of CRT is not what CRT actually is. And why, would you ask, am I talking about this today? Well, because today we celebrate Juneteenth and yesterday someone asked me: '... so why is it that we do we celebrate Juneteenth?' and I was, of course, ready:

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger went to Galveston, Texas, with other federal soldiers and walked the streets reading General Order No. 3, a document declaring the slaves were free. The following year, on the anniversary of his walk, the freedman celebrated.

It’s important to know that the announcement in Texas came two years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, and that the official end of slavery didn’t happen until the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865. Almost immediately after slavery was abolished, the former Confederate states attempted to reinstall a white supremacist regime; they waged a violent campaign throughout the South, crushed the short-lived Reconstruction era, and ushered in Jim Crow, the effects of which we’re still living with today. Juneteenth may be considered a cause for celebration, but it’s also the day that marks a new chapter of post-slavery America: the beginning of the long, difficult march toward racial equality that continues today. 

@nathaliebaptiste

It's not surprising then, that Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas signed laws in 2021 prohibiting the teaching of Critical Race Theory and now he has signed a bill banning diversity initiatives in public universities:

According to the bill, institutions are barred from considering “race, sex, color, or ethnicity” in hiring practices. The bill specifically states all hiring practices must be “color-blind and sex-neutral.” Furthermore, institutions may not conduct required trainings, programs or activities for staff or students focusing on “race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.” This will eliminate diversity statements common in the admissions and hiring processes.

Additionally, DEI offices will be discontinued. Employees staffing such offices may receive a letter of recommendation if found to be in “good standing.” No provision of the bill provides terminated staff reassignment to open positions within the state university system.

Oversight will be provided by the state auditor. Institutions will be audited at least once every four years. If a violation is found and not corrected, the institution may be denied scheduled funding increases, “institutional enhancements,” or other “exceptional items.” 

@jurist

So yeah. Abbott has literally kneecaped and held hostage any diversity offices and programs in public colleges and universities, literally promoting white supremacy. So it would not come as a surprise to learn that Abbott and the TPPF are thick as thieves. I found references to the TPPF in Abbot's own website. White supremacy at work in plain daylight.

So that's the future of the United States if the Repugs take over. Expect this kind of fuckery to be at your door if let's say, Meatball Ron wins the presidency or if the repug who was elected dog catcher three years ago suddenly runs for governor of your state. Because the GOP goal is to stifle any discussion of race or diversity (yes, the gays fall in 'diversity, hunty) in America. So happy Juneteenth!

XOXO

P.S. Pride Month viewing suggestion:

Happy Pride!