North Cook News

Tom Kelly argues the verdict is already in when it comes to the debate about critical race theory.

“If you still believe the claims that critical race theory is just ‘the Republicans’ latest bogey man,’ read this legal complaint,” Kelly posted on Facebook. “Skokie District 65 in Illinois has been taken over by CRT, and you can clearly see by the complaint it is nothing more than vilification of people who are white and glorification of socialist ideals. It has little to do with actual history and nothing to do with democracy.”

To back up his claims, Kelly points to the case of District 65 school teacher Stacy Deemar, who after nearly two decades of teaching in the district is now suing, charging discrimination over educators being forced to teach CRT policies.

“This is one teacher's struggle as she attempts to stand up to the racism of ‘anti-racism,’" Kelly added.

All across the state, Deemar’s case is raising eyebrows, with Republican state Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) now calling on constituents to take a united stance against CRT.

“It will take more than just one teacher standing up to the radical left who are pushing their agenda in our schools,” Caulkins posted on Facebook. "What are you doing?”

The Southeast Legal Foundation, formed by journalist and activist Christopher Rufo, is aiding Deemar in her legal battle. The legal coalition seeks to get CRT teachings and instruction struck down by the Supreme Court.

As part of her complaint, Deemar alleges District 65 school officials divided teachers based on their race and directed teachers to read a book titled “Not my Idea” to their students. In the story, the devil makes a “Contract Binding you to Whiteness” where the main character will receive “stolen land,” “stolen riches,” and “special favors” in return.

The devil in the story later defines whiteness as giving people the license “to mess endlessly with the lives of your friends, neighbors, loved ones, and all fellow humans of COLOR.”

While requesting just $1 in damages, Deemar’s suit seeks a declaratory judgment and injunction on CRT teachings.