TO THE EDITOR:

Minnesota must review each academic standard every 10 years.  In 2023, politicians inserted an ethnic studies component into the social studies standards despite public opposition.   The standard stands in opposition to President Trump’s EO to remove DEI from all state institutions.  The new component turns Minnesota’s students into activists to protest our capitalistic foundation and adds ethnic studies to every academic standard in the entire curriculum—stretching for years beyond the decade for the social studies standards.  If rogue judges block President Trump’s EO against DEI, creative teachers and dedicated parents can intervene.  For example, instead of the suggested unit on “revolution,” (suggesting modern efforts to overthrow our country), teachers could prepare a unit on the American Revolution, or parents could opt for “alternative instruction.”  Since there is no curricular guide, the MDE contracted with the Center for Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender, and Sexuality (RIDGS) Studies at the University of Minnesota to develop lesson plans for this new component.  Please note that the name does not promote multicultural education, but rather political dogma.  Parents and concerned citizens, review the curricula and materials currently used in your schools, as per Minnesota Statute120B.11 and 120B.20.  Indoctrination has replaced information in many classrooms, as mandated by the new licensure requirements from another Walz-appointed board. 

Dr. Phyllis E. VanBuren 

Clearwater, MN