By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Kosciusko County is delving into the issue of critical race theory.

The concept has been around for decades but has become an issue of debate in conservative circles in recent months and has led to a few state legislatures seeking to ban the teaching of CRT in public schools despite claims from some that the curriculum does not exist in public schools.

Local interest in the issue first surfaced publicly earlier this week when a former Congressional candidate, Dr. Chris Magiera, of Warsaw, brought it up Tuesday, June 22, at the county commissioner’s meeting. He urged the commissioners to approve a resolution or ordinance banning the use of critical race theory or critical sex theory to county employees and requested that commissioners, “to the extent that this body has any authority over the school system in Kosciusko County, to pass a resolution banning the use of critical race theory in local schools.”

County Attorney Ed Ormsby then spoke up and said a proposal related to critical race theory policy is being drafted by the commissioners.

Soon afterward, Ormsby informed local reporters that Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita will meet with the county commissioners in a public meeting to discuss the topic on July 8.

He said Tuesday the issue will likely be discussed at the next commissioner’s meeting, which is July 6 – two days before Rokita’s visit.

Ormsby said Rokita will visit “to assure us that what is being taught meets with the standards that are announced in the constitution that every man is created equal.”

On Friday, Rokita released a Parents Bill of Rights, providing what he calls a roadmap for parents to exercise their legal right to have a voice in their children’s education.

The statement did not mention CRT directly.

“As I’ve traveled throughout the state of Indiana, I’ve heard firsthand the concerns of parents who are deeply troubled by ideologies being imposed in their children’s school curriculum,” Rokita said in a prepared statement. “The first line of defense to hold school districts accountable lies with active and engaged parents. The Indiana Attorney General’s Office will stand in their corner every step of the way as they exercise their individual liberties in the interest of our children.”

Local interest in critical race theory comes just months after the county began delving into issues that they believe go against the U.S. Constitution.

In December, the commissioners approved a resolution declaring the county as a constitutional rights sanctuary county. Months later, Sheriff Kyle Dukes pledged to oppose any efforts to confiscate guns despite the lack of any credible threat to do so.

Many people are unfamiliar with the concept of critical race theory, which according to Politico, refers to the concept that racism has been systematically ingrained in American society and institutions.  Some contend it teaches children to believe that the country is racist and that white people are oppressors.

Republicans, led in part by Indiana Congressman Jim Banks, have recently assailed CRT, according to an article in Politico.

Former President Donald Trump called for CRT to be banned in schools.

Ormsby on Friday declined to talk more specifically about critical race theory, saying he didn’t want to steal the thunder of Rokita’s upcoming talk.