The board, located just north of St. Louis along the Mississippi River, voted to rescind these resolutions, with the 2020 resolution on racism and discrimination drawing the most attention.
The "Resolution in response to racism and discrimination" condemns racism, discrimination, and senseless violence in all forms. However, it repeatedly emphasizes that Black and brown individuals are often the primary victims of racism.
The resolution states, "We will promote racial healing, especially for our Black and brown students and families. We will no longer be silent." It also acknowledges that Black and brown students and families may face unique challenges in their pursuit of an equitable and anti-racist system.
WATCH: BIDEN CLAIMS INFLATION WAS 9% WHEN HE GOT IN OFFICE
The official reason provided for the repeal is that most current board members did not sign or vote to adopt these resolutions. Many of these members were elected in 2022 and 2023 after receiving support from Francis Howell Families, a conservative organization that seeks to recruit school board candidates who uphold the nation's founding principles and reject attempts to divide people by race, gender, or other immutable characteristics.
WATCH VIVEK: "WHAT IS THE CRIME THAT DONALD TRUMP COMMITTED?"
July 24, 2023
In 2021, Francis Howell Families referred to the resolution as an example of "woke activism."
NIGHT OPERATION UNCOVERS THE TRAGIC FATE OF THREE MUSICAL FESTIVAL HOSTAGES IN GAZA TUNNEL
Some current board members, who received backing from Francis Howell Families, expressed concerns about the resolution's language. Randy Cook, the board's vice president, argued that terms such as "systemic racism" were not clearly defined. Jane Puszkar, another board member, questioned the resolution's effectiveness, asking, "What has it really done? How effective has it really been?"
WILL BIDEN’S DEBATE DEMANDS TURN THE TIDE OR DROWN HIS CHANCES?
Ultimately, the FHSB members concluded that resolutions are a reflection of a specific moment in time and that resolutions passed under previous leadership will no longer be used as a basis for decision-making within the district.
St. Charles County is known for its strong conservative leanings. Its state senator, state representative, and U.S. representative are all Republicans, and the county overwhelmingly supported former President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. Similarly, Missouri voted for Trump by a margin of nearly 57% to 41% in 2020.
ANIMAL PRIDE: NBC'S UPCOMING 'QUEER PLANET' EXPOSES NATURE’S HIDDEN LGBTQ+ LIFE
Despite the conservative nature of the area, several critics attended the recent FHSB meeting to express support for the anti-racism resolution. Carrying signs urging the board to move "forward, not backward," these individuals voiced their concerns.
Zebrina Looney of the NAACP stated, "It is absolutely going backwards, especially when you have a constant reporting of discriminatory things that are continuing to go on. It's not acknowledging the students and what they've gone through. Personally, I grew up out here, and to me, this feels like a flashback in time, like a bad dream."
NO SO MAGICAL: THE COPPERFIELD-EPSTEIN CONNECTION THAT'S RAISING EYEBROWS EVERYWHERE
Chad Lange, one of the two remaining board members who were present when the resolution was passed three years ago, expressed unease about its repeal. Lange stated, "Making it disappear like it never existed without discussion doesn't sit well with me."
With the resolution now revoked, displays of it in district schools will be taken down, and it will no longer appear in any district publications.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
