To the editor:

The juxtaposition of two articles — “CRT presentation draws a crowd, mixed reaction” and “Everyone can contribute something” — on the front page of the Oct. 1 issue of the Independent was ironic, to say the least.

One article reported on the presentation of two political agitators, Sheila and Kendall Qualls, funded by billionaires intent on riling people up and causing division. They do this by claiming that teachers are “weaponizing” children and “politicizing the curriculum” by teaching about diversity, equity, and anti-racism.

The other article reported on a presentation given by two veterans of the Civil Rights Movement, Joan Browning and Dion Diamond, neither of whom is wealthy or powerful or funded by billionaires. As nineteen-year-olds, Joan and Dion participated in sit-ins, protests, and Freedom Rides in order to end racial segregation and make America a more equitable society.

The Qualls claimed that teaching about social justice, empathy, and inclusion is divisive and harmful.

I ask: When you teach about the actions of Civil Rights activists like Joan and Dion, how can you not discuss the issues of racism and social justice?

How can you not develop a sense of empathy and a desire for inclusion?

How can the topic of equity not be addressed?

Only by acknowledging and discussing these issues can equity, justice, and unity be achieved.

Hearing the stories of these Civil Rights veterans and discussing these issues is not divisive. Listening to the false claims and outright lies of billionaire-funded political agitators is divisive.

Anita Gaul

Marshall

— Anita Gaul is a history instructor at Minnesota West Community & Technical College