North Cook News

The New Trier Republican Organization is going on the offensive in the fight over Critical Race Theory teachings.

“The Illinois GOP is petitioning Gov. Pritzker to stop the promotion of racial hatred in our schools,” the organization recently posted on Facebook. “Critical Race Theory is a terrible thing to impose on our kids. Say no to Gov. Pritzker and the Democrats' attempts to force this spiteful and mean-spirited curriculum on school children.”

At the same time, Watseka resident Beth Burton is urging more parents to get involved and make their voices heard in the growing debate.

“Parents in the area should be researching about the topic of CRT,” Burton posted on Facebook. “School districts in Illinois have been given a mandate to teach this to the students. Read up and go to your school board meetings.”

Last month, District 65 grade school drama teacher Stacy Deemar filed suit in federal courtm charging discrimination over educators being forced to teach CRT policies, according to the Kankakee Times. Deemar’s case has quickly attracted widespread attention, with Republican state Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) now calling on voters to take a united stand 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.

Deemar's complaint alleges that District 65 school officials divided teachers based on their race. As part of the curriculum, teachers were told 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.”

Deemar’s suit seeks a declaratory judgment and injunction on CRT teachings. She seeks only $1 in damages.