Red state suing school district for illegally teaching critical race theory
The State of Texas, led by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, is taking legal action against a school district just northwest of Dallas for allegedly continuing to teach critical race theory (CRT) in its classrooms. CRT is a concept that posits racial bias is inherent in parts of society and that discrimination is systematically embedded in certain aspects of law and policy.
The lawsuit, filed in the District Court of Dallas County, was initiated in response to a video showing Coppell Independent School District (ISD) Director of Curriculum Evan Whitfield discussing how the district had found ways to bypass prohibitions on the use of CRT in state policies and curricula. Whitfield was recorded stating that despite state standards, Coppell ISD does “what’s right.”
Teaching CRT violates a Texas law that prohibits educators from teaching that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another” or that “an individual, by virtue of their race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive.” The law also bars educators from requiring an understanding of the controversial “1619 Project,” founded by Nikole Hannah-Jones, which aims to reframe American history as rooted in slavery.
The lawsuit alleges that Whitfield admitted to teaching curricula that violate state law and using district resources for CRT materials. Whitfield reportedly stated that the district had found ways to evade the law by claiming not to teach CRT and encouraging teachers to do so behind closed doors.
Attorney General Paxton is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Coppell ISD officials from teaching CRT and using taxpayer funds for CRT materials. Instead, Paxton advocates for a “color-blind” curriculum in compliance with Texas law.
This is not the first time Coppell ISD has faced legal action over CRT. In 2023, a North Texas family sued the district after their son, a student at New Tech High School, was given a CRT-based assignment by his chemistry teacher.
In response to the lawsuit, Paxton emphasized that Texas students deserve a high-quality education free from divisive ideologies. He stated that administrators who defy state law by promoting CRT will be held accountable, and the lawsuit aims to put an end to the unlawful curriculum and ensure compliance with state regulations.
Peter Pinedo, a politics writer for Fox News Digital, reported on the lawsuit and highlighted Paxton’s commitment to upholding educational standards in Texas.
