Speak for yourself. The so-called/self-described “conservatives” of Southlake and myriad other predominantly white, upper-middle-class communities stand in strident opposition to any and all racial diversity education as well as the teaching of historical fact (especially that which describes and explains the racist systems that have held back individuals and families of color from participation in the so-called American Dream).

Their objection is not based on intellectual grounds, as this writer contends, but on the fear that if their fragile children were to be exposed to the truth, they would be filled with self hatred for the “sin” of being born white and privileged.

Rightwing politicians have seized upon this fear and exploited it to further inflame racial animosity and win votes.

It’s wonderful that parents want to be involved in their children’s educational experience. But, they should be allowing school boards, administrators, and teachers to make curricular decisions, without fear of death threats. Equally importantly, they should be more sensitive to the actual experiences of students of color, and queer and non-binary students before putting up arbitrary, ideological, fear-based barriers erected to prevent the younger generation from creating a fairer, more equitable society informed by honest historical reflection.