Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Tea Party is encouraging residents to take the time to view a new short film by activist Christopher Rufo they contend destructs the value of critical race theory (CRT) teachings.

“Take 18 min. and watch this excellent explanation of Critical Race Theory,” the group posted on Facebook. “CRT is Marxist in its origins and its intent. Lawsuits against it are headed to the Supreme Court, but we must do our part.”

Rufo said he felt compelled to take a stand.

Jeanne Ives | jeanneives.org

"I made this film to set the record straight, walking viewers through the origins of critical race theory, what it’s done to our public institutions, and how you can fight it in your community," he added.

Former Republican state Rep. Jeanne Ives is also among those pushing unity in the fight to keep CRT out of more classrooms.

Ives recently saluted School District 99 parents for coming together to take what she sees as a bold and necessary stance against critical race theory teachings.

“Tonight a group of brave parents and residents of D99 school district discussed their opposition to critical race theory instruction in their schools,” Ives said in a post to Facebook. “When a few speakers incorrectly stated that there was a bill mandating it, the superintendent arrogantly asked them to show him the bill. The speakers mixed up the mandate for universities to begin teaching CRTL - Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading standards as directed by JCAR. But they were right that that mandate will flow into the K-12 schools. And they were right that CRTL instructs in CRT.”

Ives argues it was all by design and part of CRT supporters' plan to get what they want when it comes to changing the system to formally include elements of the controversial teachings.

“The school leaders questioned the speakers knowing that D99 has already infused CRT-type training into their schools,” she said. “Diversity, equity and inclusion training uses much of the same foundational tenets as CRT. So keep speaking up, D99 parents, because the district leaders want to intimidate you rather than have honest conversations. Be respectful when you do confront the bullies. And show up to the next meeting.”

With more critics of the system charging the real victims are the children, several states, including Idaho, Iowa, Florida and Texas, have already banned CRT teachings or are in the process of seeking to do so.