What the phrase means to me may differ from its meaning to those who use scare tactics such as “socialism” to refer to their ideas of Indoctrination. They pair Critical Race Theory with their scary word to infer our children will grow up communists if something is not done to keep discussions about race out of our schools. The concepts of diversity, equality and equity are further evidence of public schools veering into the morass created by liberals and their Marxist allies. 

These same people tell us our government is risking the health of our children with mandates for mask wearing and vaccinations. They argue that such requirements are signs of socialism and growing dictatorship in a country with a Constitution protecting individual rights. They intimidate local school boards with this argument and threats of violence. So if this is the message intended by people recruiting school board candidates, what does the concept mean to me, a moderate business consultant?

Educate means we teach our children the truth. In history they learn about the total experience of our people in our communities, states and country. They learn how our country and state were settled and how many benefited while Native Americans and African Americans suffered. We learn how the Constitution denied the rights of many and how it has evolved. We learn through science and math the facts and theories that make our world work and threaten our existence. Our children learn civics and how voting works best when everyone participates. As they learn about democracy they begin practicing the ideas in classes and communities. 

“Don’t Indoctrinate” means simply we identify lies and conspiracy theories distorting the truth. We point out the dangers implied in the words “fascism” and “socialism” and relate the concepts and threats to the messages we are hearing. We call out the lies about Critical Race Theory and other conspiracy theories. We pay attention to local elections and support candidates who practice civility and reason not threats and violence. So, let us maintain integrity in our schools. Let’s fight indoctrination of lies, fear and conspiracy theories with truth, facts and evidence.

Ron Robinson

Sylva