To the editor:

What did I learn by attending the June 28th informational meeting on CRT by the NU Human Rights Commission? That Dr. Johnson is skilled at side stepping questions about Critical Race Theory’s practical applications.

Here are two questions I sought answers for: #1 “As we know, Dr. Martin Luther King stated, ‘I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.'” Accordingly, “what responsibility, can be assigned to minority groups for our deplorable social conditions and race relations?” Dr. Johnson was not sure what Dr. King meant by that statement. As to my question?….No clear answer. (See YouTube June 28, 2021 Human Rights Commission for a full video recording of the evening.)

#2 (Asked after the meeting.)

According to Christopher Rufo, (https://nypost.com/2021/05/06/what-critical-race-theory-is-really-about/) “In contrast to equality, equity as defined and promoted by critical race theorists is little more than reformulated Marxism. In the name of equity, UCLA law professor and critical race theorist Cheryl Harris has proposed suspending private property rights, seizing land and wealth and redistributing them along racial lines.”

Cross Reference: https://harvardlawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/134-Harv.-L.-Rev.-F.-1-2.pdf

“Critical race guru Ibram X. Kendi, who directs the Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University, has proposed the creation of a federal Department of Antiracism. This department would be independent of (unaccountable to) the elected branches of government and would have the power to nullify, veto or abolish any law at any level of government and curtail the speech of political leaders and others deemed insufficiently ‘antiracist.'”

Cross Reference: https://www.politico.com/interactives/2019/how-to-fix-politics-in-america/inequality/pass-an-anti-racist-constitutional-amendment/

Concerned about these implications, I asked, “Are you familiar with these writers and do you agree with them?” Dr. Johnson: “I am familiar with Mr. Kendi. I have read several of his books and greatly appreciate his work.” Me: “Do you agree with him?” No clear answer.

I’m sorry, but an informational meeting will present both sides of an issue and attempt to arrive at a nuanced thoughtful approach. I am extremely concerned with the simplistic, dangerous approach being presented by CRT and its proponents. My opinion: CRT is not what it seems! What causes racial prejudice, hatred and bigotry? It is NOT the color of one’s skin, but the color of one’s heart!

Ginifer Simon

Sleepy Eye