Abolitionist Teaching Network: Coming to a School Near You

 

Have you heard about the latest partnership between the federal government and the Abolitionist Teaching Network? If not, I’m not surprised; you weren’t supposed to hear about it, since the Biden administration has been contracting with the ATN with      no announcement or fanfare. The reason? They don’t want you to know that they’ve created this alliance to intensify and increase the indoctrination of Critical Race Theory, not only for children, but for the teachers, too.

What does this alliance look like? The funding has already been allocated:

Congress allocated nearly $200 billion in COVID-19 relief funds for K-12 schools over the past year. While this money was intended to help reopen schools and mitigate learning loss, President Joe Biden’s Department of Education is encouraging school districts to spend some of it on a different purpose: providing ‘free, antiracist therapy for white educators.’

The American Rescue Plan requires districts to reserve 20 percent of funds for ‘evidence-based’ interventions that ‘respond to students’ academic, social and emotional needs’ — a very sensible charge. But the devil is in the definition, and Team Biden’s guidance booklet for spending ARP funds suggests that students’ social and emotional needs include the disruption of ‘whiteness’ and the propagation of critical race theory.

The American Rescue Plan provides a guide to this curriculum, “Roadmap to Reopening Safely and Meeting All Students’ Needs” and provides a link to the Abolitionist Teaching Network (ATN), which in turn provides “Guide for Racial Justice & Abolitionist Social and Emotional Learning.” It says, in part:

Abolitionist SEL is ‘not a lesson plan,’ but rather a ‘way of being that informs all aspects of teaching, learning and relationship-building with students, families and communities.’

To bring about this shift at the level of being, the document endorsed by Biden’s Department of Education urges districts to:

  • Partner with and compensate community members to develop and implement Abolitionist SEL models.
  • Remove all punitive or disciplinary practices that spirit-murder black, brown and indigenous children.
  • Require a commitment to learning from students, families and educators who disrupt Whiteness and other forms of oppression.
  • Offer ‘free, antiracist therapy for White educators and support staff,’ and ‘free, radical self/collective care and therapy for educators and support staff of color.’

In other words, the community will be recruited to indoctrinate their neighbors; the emphasis will be on race; black, brown and indigenous people will not be subject to punishment for unacceptable behavior; all parties involved will be required to submit to indoctrination; and teachers will need “therapy” if they don’t embrace the correct mindset.

For the uninformed, here is a definition of “spirit murder” created by the founder of the group, Bettina Love: “Spirit murder” is “a slow death, a death of the spirit, a death that is built on racism and intended to reduce, humiliate, and destroy people of color.”

One writer pointed out that public funding can’t be used in a way that violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by discriminating against teachers or students. But one has to ask, who will stop them?

*     *     *     *

Recently the Secretary of the Department of Education, Miguel Cardona, tried to reassure the public that they had nothing to worry about, after receiving 35,000 complaints about CRT. But as often happens, the Cardona response was far from reassuring:

After more than 35,000 public comments objected to such ideology, Cardona released a statement clarifying that decisions about specific curricula ‘will continue to be made at the local level,’ resulting in some right-leaning taking this to mean the administration is pumping the brakes on CRT.

Far from it. Cardona’s Friday blog post should still worry Americans interested in preserving an education system that honors American values. DOE still stated it will be ‘encourag[ing] projects that incorporate racially, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse perspectives’ in relation to federal American history and civics education grants.

In other words, don’t be fooled.

If you have any doubts about the true agenda of Bettina Love and the ATN, here’s more clarity:

According to Fox, the Abolitionist Teaching Network’s co-founder Bettina Love said during a webinar earlier this year she would ‘create a national database of antiracist school counselors, therapists and teachers.’

She also said the organization is ‘dedicated to not creating new schools or reimagining schools, but destroying schools that do nothing but harm Black and brown children.

‘If you don’t recognize that White supremacy is in everything we do, then we got a problem,’ Love said. ‘I want us to be feared.’

So the federal government is clearly committed to moving forward with radical racist indoctrination in our schools and has found a partner willing to team with it. The government will continue to obfuscate, intentionally mislead and deceive U.S. citizens in this endeavor. They have no qualms about saying whatever is necessary to carry out their propaganda goals.

In some respects, the most alarming part of observing this process is the vehemence, anger, disdain, and hatefulness that is on full display by Bettina Love and her writings. She is living in the freest country in the world, where she has more opportunity than anywhere else. What is the source of that mindset? How can she live in that darkness every day? And how can others allow themselves to be lured into it?

We must look into our own minds and hearts and rally the strength to fight this hateful and destructive process.

Published in Education
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There are 32 comments.

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  1. Kozak Member
    Kozak
    @Kozak

    Every Republican legislature and Governor should mandate that every public classroom has video and audio feed on the internet, accessible to parents and mandated on whenever instruction is being given. The only way we are going to stop the propagandizing of our children is if they know we are watching all the time.

    • #1
  2. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Kozak (View Comment):

    Every Republican legislature and Governor should mandate that every public classroom has video and audio feed on the internet, accessible to parents and mandated on whenever instruction is being given. The only way we are going to stop the propagandizing of our children is if they know we are watching all the time.

    I’m inclined to agree with you, Kozak. If the teachers are doing their jobs as they should, and teaching the accepted curriculum, what’s to worry about? And even if they say they aren’t teaching this radical curriculum, why should we believe them? The unions say they are going to do just what they please! Something radical must happen in response to these threats.

    • #2
  3. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    I am beginning to believe in the several circles of Hell concept. 

    • #3
  4. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Rodin (View Comment):

    I am beginning to believe in the several circles of Hell concept.

    Sure feels like it, doesn’t it? I keep thinking it can’t get worse, and then . . . 

    • #4
  5. Blondie Thatcher
    Blondie
    @Blondie

    Of course I can’t find it now, but I saw a story about increase spending on “mental and emotional health” with our local school board. I’m sure this is exactly where this money is coming from. I’ll keep a better eye out for another story. I’m sure Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is all over it. 

    • #5
  6. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Blondie (View Comment):

    Of course I can’t find it now, but I saw a story about increase spending on “mental and emotional health” with our local school board. I’m sure this is exactly where this money is coming from. I’ll keep a better eye out for another story. I’m sure Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is all over it.

    Oh, @blondie, I sure hope so. I wonder who will manage the money at the local level, and who will be the decision-maker for giving it to the schools? Tracking the funds will be an interesting challenge!

    • #6
  7. Fritz Coolidge
    Fritz
    @Fritz

    Racism may indeed carry out the doom of the Western world and, for that matter, of the whole of human civilization. When Russians have become Slavs, when Frenchmen have assumed the role of commanders of a force noire, when Englishmen have turned into “white men,” as already for a disatrous spell all Germans became Aryans, then this change will itself signify the end of Western man. For no matter what learned scientists may say, race is, politically speaking, not the beginning of humanity but its end, not the origin of peoples but their decay, not the natural birth of man but his unnatural death.”

    Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism, (Ed. 2009) p. 157.

    • #7
  8. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Fritz (View Comment):

    Racism may indeed carry out the doom of the Western world and, for that matter, of the whole of human civilization. When Russians have become Slavs, when Frenchmen have assumed the role of commanders of a force noire, when Englishmen have turned into “white men,” as already for a disatrous spell all Germans became Aryans, then this change will itself signify the end of Western man. For no matter what learned scientists may say, race is, politically speaking, not the beginning of humanity but its end, not the origin of peoples but their decay, not the natural birth of man but his unnatural death.”

    Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism, (Ed. 2009) p. 157.

    I haven’t read Arendt, @fritz, but I think it’s time. Thanks.

    • #8
  9. Gossamer Cat Coolidge
    Gossamer Cat
    @GossamerCat

    Well, at least the Biden administration is getting some push back:  https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-walks-back-critical-race-theory

    But the only way to get them to walk back is to stay in their faces, I’m afraid.  It will pop up again.

    “The Biden administration blamed an “error” Wednesday after promoting a radical activist group’s handbook that pushes critical race theory in schools and calls on educators to “disrupt Whiteness.”

    “The Department does not endorse the recommendations of this group, nor do they reflect our policy positions,” the Department of Education (DOE) said in a statement. “It was an error in a lengthy document to include this citation.”

    DOE linked to the Abolitionist Teaching Network’s “Guide for Racial Justice & Abolitionist Social and Emotional Learning” in its handbook intended as a “roadmap” for schools to reopen safely during the coronavirus pandemic. “

    • #9
  10. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Gossamer Cat (View Comment):

    Well, at least the Biden administration is getting some push back: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-walks-back-critical-race-theory

    But the only way to get them to walk back is to stay in their faces, I’m afraid. It will pop up again.

    “The Biden administration blamed an “error” Wednesday after promoting a radical activist group’s handbook that pushes critical race theory in schools and calls on educators to “disrupt Whiteness.”

    “The Department does not endorse the recommendations of this group, nor do they reflect our policy positions,” the Department of Education (DOE) said in a statement. “It was an error in a lengthy document to include this citation.”

    DOE linked to the Abolitionist Teaching Network’s “Guide for Racial Justice & Abolitionist Social and Emotional Learning” in its handbook intended as a “roadmap” for schools to reopen safely during the coronavirus pandemic. ”

    Yep! It’ll be back.

    • #10
  11. Hang On Member
    Hang On
    @HangOn

    I always knew those progressives had a network to abolish teaching and just start brainwashing.  Now they’re out in the open with an appropriately named group. A tax deductible one too I bet.

    • #11
  12. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Gossamer Cat (View Comment):

    “The Biden administration blamed an “error” Wednesday after promoting a radical activist group’s handbook that pushes critical race theory in schools and calls on educators to “disrupt Whiteness.”

    “The Department does not endorse the recommendations of this group, nor do they reflect our policy positions,” the Department of Education (DOE) said in a statement. “It was an error in a lengthy document to include this citation.”

    I also learned tonight that the person who caused the “error” was authorized to put the information about the ATN in the guidelines, and she is reported to be a friend of Bettina Love. I doubt it was an error, and when events calm down, the information will likely reappear.

    • #12
  13. Dotorimuk Coolidge
    Dotorimuk
    @Dotorimuk

    Love that assumption that ONLY whites are racist.

    • #13
  14. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    Dotorimuk (View Comment):

    Love that assumption that ONLY whites are racist.

    Only whites can be racist. It is because they have the power. And all whites are racist. Even the ones that … umm … don’t have any power.

    I hope that I cleared that up for you.

    • #14
  15. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Percival (View Comment):

    Dotorimuk (View Comment):

    Love that assumption that ONLY whites are racist.

    Only whites can be racist. It is because they have the power. And all whites are racist. Even the ones that … umm … don’t have any power.

    I hope that I cleared that up for you.

    The examples of contradictions in Leftist rhetoric are huge. Don’t get me started . . . 

    • #15
  16. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Susan Quinn: spirit-murder

    What the . . . Is this a new hate crime?  If we are convicted and fined, can we pay in spirit-dollars?

    • #16
  17. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Stad (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn: spirit-murder

    What the . . . Is this a new hate crime? If we are convicted and fined, can we pay in spirit-dollars?

    Oh, no, it’s just been mislabelled previously, @stad, and we are all guilty and will bear the shame forever. And I’m sure they’ll want to be paid in real dollars and cents. Sigh.

    • #17
  18. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Stad (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn: spirit-murder

    What the . . . Is this a new hate crime? If we are convicted and fined, can we pay in spirit-dollars?

    Oh, no, it’s just been mislabelled previously, @ stad, and we are all guilty and will bear the shame forever. And I’m sure they’ll want to be paid in real dollars and cents. Sigh.

    I’m going to pay in cryptocurrency.  Introducing the BitStad, a new cryptocurrency that looks valuable but is worthless on the inside . . .

    • #18
  19. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Stad (View Comment):
    I’m going to pay in cryptocurrency.  Introducing the BitStad, a new cryptocurrency that looks valuable but is worthless on the inside . . .

    Now you  are not going to get away with that. Worthless on the inside, my eye!

    • #19
  20. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Stad (View Comment):
    I’m going to pay in cryptocurrency. Introducing the BitStad, a new cryptocurrency that looks valuable but is worthless on the inside . . .

    Now you are not going to get away with that. Worthless on the inside, my eye!

    The BitStad, not The Stad!

    • #20
  21. Dominique Prynne Member
    Dominique Prynne
    @DominiquePrynne

    My best guess is that many of the Ricochetti are past the point of having their own children in K-12 education.  However, even if this is so, you have a dog in the fight in public education. These public-educated citizens will be running around your community.   Are you willing to run for your local school board?  Are you willing to actively support a candidate for school board with your money and/or time who will stand against these measures?  Are you willing to volunteer in schools?  Will you volunteer or support youth programs that are not infected with this? Are you willing to follow developments in your public school system and speak out and offer your input?  Are you willing to help homeschool your family or assist your local homeschool alliance? Are you willing to pay for private school for your grandchildren? As my pastor asks every Sunday morning…”What is your next step?”  Big or small…there is a next step.  I’m still figuring out my next step.  A good friend of mine is likely going to run for school board (the most thankless job in America!) so I know I will be actively campaigning and supporting him.  I don’t yet know what other steps might be on my radar.  

    • #21
  22. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Dominique Prynne (View Comment):

    My best guess is that many of the Ricochetti are past the point of having their own children in K-12 education. However, even if this is so, you have a dog in the fight in public education. These public-educated citizens will be running around your community. Are you willing to run for your local school board? Are you willing to actively support a candidate for school board with your money and/or time who will stand against these measures? Are you willing to volunteer in schools? Will you volunteer or support youth programs that are not infected with this? Are you willing to follow developments in your public school system and speak out and offer your input? Are you willing to help homeschool your family or assist your local homeschool alliance? Are you willing to pay for private school for your grandchildren? As my pastor asks every Sunday morning…”What is your next step?” Big or small…there is a next step. I’m still figuring out my next step. A good friend of mine is likely going to run for school board (the most thankless job in America!) so I know I will be actively campaigning and supporting him. I don’t yet know what other steps might be on my radar.

    Excellent questions, @dominiqueprynne. We all must find a way to be engaged, and even if our kids are older, there are ways to be involved with the schools. I’m so impressed with your finding a way to do that, and that you’re seeking other ways to make a difference. Thank you!

    • #22
  23. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    Excellent questions, @dominiqueprynne. We all must find a way to be engaged, and even if our kids are older, there are ways to be involved with the schools. I’m so impressed with your finding a way to do that, and that you’re seeking other ways to make a difference. Thank you!

    When it comes to schools, I have found that the best way to be engaged is to stand on the outside and throw rocks.  (Metaphorically speaking.) 

    • #23
  24. Rōnin Coolidge
    Rōnin
    @Ronin

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Rodin (View Comment):

    I am beginning to believe in the several circles of Hell concept.

    Sure feels like it, doesn’t it? I keep thinking it can’t get worse, and then . . .

    We went off the charts long before this individual was put in charge of managing a Federal program.  Here there be monsters.

    • #24
  25. GlennAmurgis Coolidge
    GlennAmurgis
    @GlennAmurgis

    The only way to get control is tie the dollars to the kid and allow parents to be able to switch schools when a school district starts to push this stuff.  Monopolies allow schools to dictate what the NEA wants

    • #25
  26. Rōnin Coolidge
    Rōnin
    @Ronin

    @susanquinn You are on fire again.  This attached meme I’m calling Susan on the Barricades.

    I know, but a sports bra would not look right.

    • #26
  27. Stina Inactive
    Stina
    @CM

    Dominique Prynne (View Comment):

    My best guess is that many of the Ricochetti are past the point of having their own children in K-12 education. However, even if this is so, you have a dog in the fight in public education. These public-educated citizens will be running around your community. Are you willing to run for your local school board? Are you willing to actively support a candidate for school board with your money and/or time who will stand against these measures? Are you willing to volunteer in schools? Will you volunteer or support youth programs that are not infected with this? Are you willing to follow developments in your public school system and speak out and offer your input? Are you willing to help homeschool your family or assist your local homeschool alliance? Are you willing to pay for private school for your grandchildren? As my pastor asks every Sunday morning…”What is your next step?” Big or small…there is a next step. I’m still figuring out my next step. A good friend of mine is likely going to run for school board (the most thankless job in America!) so I know I will be actively campaigning and supporting him. I don’t yet know what other steps might be on my radar.

    I’m reordering my “off day” this year so I can start attending school board meetings, but this is on top of homework and housework and making sure my kids are active. I’d need to wait til I have high schoolers to run for the school board.

    • #27
  28. Allie Hahn Coolidge
    Allie Hahn
    @AllieHahn

    Thanks for making us aware of this – I’m a teacher, and in a conservative area, but I’m definitely on the lookout for things like this to pop up. 

    • #28
  29. I Walton Member
    I Walton
    @IWalton

    I’m not plugged in enough to understand why we can’t just end it.  Why can’ t states with sane leadership just end  union dominance.  Adopt some American version of New Zealand approach.  They abolished the educational bureaucracy and let parents choose what ever school they wanted.  Money followed the kids and the teachers quickly got rid of colleagues who cost them students. They went from the worst of the West’s schools to the top in one year.  Competition in some form works always eventually.  Top down never does eventually unless it’s a small top in a small place with a vigorous bottom.

    • #29
  30. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    I Walton (View Comment):

    I’m not plugged in enough to understand why we can’t just end it. Why can’ t states with sane leadership just end union dominance. Adopt some American version of New Zealand approach. They abolished the educational bureaucracy and let parents choose what ever school they wanted. Money followed the kids and the teachers quickly got rid of colleagues who cost them students. They went from the worst of the West’s schools to the top in one year. Competition in some form works always eventually. Top down never does eventually unless it’s a small top in a small place with a vigorous bottom.

    I agree, @iwalton. The problem is nobody likes change, because it means that someone has to give up power. Or they have to put up with protests and attacks from invested groups. With the power of the unions (who have essentially blackmailed legislators), it’s hard to do anything. What a mess!

    • #30
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