Superintendent says Detroit schools 'deeply using critical race theory'

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The superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) said earlier this month that schools in his district are "deeply using critical race theory," claiming students must learn about historical injustice in the United States "to better understand who they are."

Superintendent Nikolai Vitti made the remarks during a Nov. 9 school board meeting, footage of which went viral Tuesday after being disseminated on Twitter by Manhattan Institute senior fellow Christopher Rufo.

"Our curriculum is deeply using critical race theory, especially in social studies, but you’ll find it in English, language arts, and the other disciplines," Vitti said. "We’re very intentional about creating a curriculum, infusing materials and embedding critical race theory within our curriculum."

Angry parents and community members protest after a Loudoun County School Board meeting was halted by the school board because the crowd refused to quiet down, in Ashburn, Virginia, June 22, 2021. (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo)

"As was stated by speakers today, it's because students need to understand the truth of history, understand the history of this country to better understand who they are and about the injustices that have occurred in this country," Vitti added.

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Vitti also criticized HB 5097, which Michigan House lawmakers approved this month to ban "implicit race or gender stereotyping" in the state's K-12 schools. The bill has since been referred to the state Senate Committee on Education and Career Readiness.

Amy Carney speaks on behalf of parents during a protest against critical race theory being taught at Scottsdale Unified School District before a digital school board meeting at Coronado High Schoo in Scottsdale on May 24, 2021. (Reuters)

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Referring to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Vitti said, "I think our best strategy politically is to lean on the governor to veto it, as she has done with other legislation that has passed in Michigan over the last couple of years."

Republicans in the state House approved the bill in a 55-0 vote, but Democrats refused to vote on the bill at all because not every lawmaker who wanted to speak against the measure was allowed to do so.

Some schools in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s state are keeping students at home ahead of Thanksgiving. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)

"A yes vote means taking a firm stance against the absurd claim that individuals bear collective guilt for historical wrongs committed by those who happen to share their race or their gender," said Republican state Rep. Andrew Beeler, who was the main sponsor of the bill.

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Vitti did not respond to Fox News' request for comment in time for publication.