October 5, 2023
As Accuracy in Media continues the quest for truth in American schools, our undercover investigation in the San Antonio area of Texas has uncovered more school officials skirting the statewide K-12 ban on Critical Race Theory teachings.
When questioned as to whether their schools and lessons have been affected by Gov. Greg Abbott’s restriction on CRT and related principles, administrators around the city had similar sentiments.
Marissa Cisneros Perez, the ELAR coordinator for Edgewood ISD said, “We do not follow much of what Abbott is trying to get us to do,” and that the “superintendent does what is best for the kids” regardless of current laws and regulations. This seems to be done with complete disregard for the parents.
Brad Cloud, the director of instructional technology at South San Antonio ISD, said his district tends to “fly under the radar” since anything they teach, including aspects of CRT, can be manipulated into being on point with state standards that are “open for interpretation.”
This alarming idea is echoed in the North East ISD of San Antonio, by its director of elementary curriculum, Jennifer Gutierrez. Along with the implication that CRT fits within Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS, she said the passing of the CRT ban was done to “gather votes and appease those conservatives.” because “it’s an election year.”
They did not change teaching standards to accommodate the ban.
Our undercover footage recorded multiple instances of officials justifying not following the ban because it was what conservative voters wanted. They place themselves above the elected Congress and governor of the state because they believe they know what is best for children.
It has become clear that parents must now fight for the right to have a say in their child’s education.
