We can talk about Critical Race Theory until we are blue in the face.
Some are debating whether that is what is being used in schools while the two biggest teachers’ unions and the media embrace it. Parents will have to do the heavy-lifting here.
Regardless of the national conversation, Alabama legislators should be focusing right now on legislation that tells the teachers, school boards and the media that we will not be teaching divisive racial rhetoric in our schools under the guise of history.
The clampdown on Critical Race Theory, and the like, is the bare minimum that voters should expect from the Alabama Legislature in 2022, and the Mama/Papa Bears in Alabama will hold those who fail to make these changes accountable in the elections that will be held later that year.
But the opportunity is not discussions surrounding curriculum and what is or isn’t being taught. The opportunity is for a real school choice law in Alabama.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I spent yesterday visiting a private school where my three-year-old will probably eventually attend, and my wife has had a massive change in her thought process concerning private schools. We have the resources to consider this, but not everyone does.
I support the Alabama Accountability Act where kids in low-performing schools and low-income students are given more options, but that was the first step.
It is time for Alabama to follow the lead of West Virginia and other states and open up the program to all students.
I don’t care if it is a refund to parents for their property taxes, if they are cut a check for a percentage of the cost to educate the student or if they are offered dollar-for-dollar tax credits for years to come.
This must come up.
The legal battles have been fought and won; the only thing lacking is will.
This is an election year, and hopefully, our legislators will find their will to make strides for real school choice in Alabama.
The time is now.
Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 7-11 AM weekdays on WVNN and on Talk 99.5 from 10AM to noon.
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