Hazlet Schools: Critical Race Theory Is Not In Curriculum

HAZLET, NJ - Amid talk of the state's updated diversity learning standards - and subsequent discussions of critical race theory's place in schools circulating social media - the Hazlet school district has put out a statement to clear up any confusion among parents.

In a June 15 message to families posted to the district website, superintendent of schools Dr. Scott Ridley noted that “misconceptions and inaccuracies” have formed on social media surrounding the state’s new diversity and inclusion learning standards requirement signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Phil Murphy. The standards are slated to go into effect next year.

The law, signed in March, calls on districts across the state to promote “economic diversity, equity, inclusion, tolerance, and belonging in connection with gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, disabilities, and religious tolerance.” Schools are also encouraged to “examine the impact that unconscious bias and economic disparities have at both an individual level and on society as a whole.”

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Misinformation online regarding learning expectations resulted in the superintendent issuing a lengthy post on social media last week clarifying the changes.

“The district writes curriculum based on the NJ Student Learning Standards. At this time, Critical Race Theory is not mentioned at all in our current standards and is therefore not a part of our curriculum,” Ridley wrote. “However, ‘beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, each NJ school district shall incorporate instruction on diversity and inclusion in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.’”

In his letter, Ridley added that younger grades will be taught acceptance and inclusion of all children, such as “how some families look different than other families,” cultural differences and ability differences, highlighted by recognition of Autism Awareness Week and World Down Syndrome Day.

Critical race theory is an idea conceptualized in academia that posits societal and structural racism still exists in institutions across the country. While some, such as the New York Times’ 1619 Project, have championed the theory, others have slammed it for being reductive.

Earlier this month, one English teacher from a Bergen County school resigned due to the school’s alleged use of critical race theory to create a "hostile culture of conformity and fear.”

Hazlet’s Dr. Ridley notes that diversity will be taught in a more direct manner as students get older, with all administrators and many teachers having participated in professional development associated with diversity and inclusion over the past few years.

“Additionally, we have included a more extensive collection of educationally appropriate, vetted materials to address diversity in grades 5-12. These texts are available for review by all stakeholders,” Ridley added in his statement.

And while subjects like gender identity are not taught for the younger grades, “that is not to say that your children won’t come across a student who may be questioning his/her own identity,” Ridley said. “We are a public-school district and all students are welcome. Our teachers are trained to be diplomatic and supportive and to make certain all students feel welcome and accepted.”