Binary Thinking, Engendering Hate: Demystifying the Attacks on CRT and Gender Affirming Policies in Schools

One step forward, two steps back. This best describes the current tensions within the ideological, cultural, and political spaces in the country. Racial capitalism is the foundation of this country via slavery and all of that depended upon two power binaries: race and gender. And here again in an attempt to maintain and organize power, these two hierarchies are weaponized even further. "Since January 2021, 41 states have introduced bills or taken other steps that would restrict teaching critical race theory or limit how teachers can discuss racism and sexism, according to an Education Week analysis. Fifteen states have imposed these bans and restrictions either through legislation or other avenues” (EducationWeek, 2022). In relation to this, “[in] 2021, legislatures in at least 22 states introduced legislation that would in some way criminalize the providing of certain transition-related medical care services to transgender or gender creative youth” (APA, n.d.). Join us as we talk about the intersection of the attacks on critical race theory (CRT) and gender affirming policies in schools. We hope that this discussion will spark important conversations and shed light on existing false premises and hasty generalizations spurring these attacks.

Discussants:

Erin Jones: at heart a youth admirer and advocate, decorated teacher, seasoned administrator and skillful, and an empathic leader on equity and social justice funding and galvanizing community leaders and partners.

Jen Self, Queer JEDI: Passionate, embodied racial, gender, & social Justice educator, strategist, & coach respected for their depth & breadth of knowledge, innovation and commitment to community-collaborative consulting, progressive experience creating compassionate teams, developing vital educational & outreach programs, & driving change in diverse higher education, K-12, non-profit, community outreach, & business settings. AKA, Queer JEDI.

Event Recording