Ep. 106: On CRT with Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens, 2006 MN Teacher of the Year

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EQ: Is Critical Race Theory currently being taught in K12 schools, and if not, should CRT curriculum be adopted in k-12 education?

For part 2 of our conversation we are excited to be joined by our guest Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens, Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2006, has been an educator for 31 years with K-12 teaching and leadership experience. She currently serves as a teacher on special assignment with the St. Louis Park Schools in Minnesota, as the High Achievement Program Coordinator and the advisor for Students Organized for Anti- Racism. She is an affiliate with Pacific Educational Group: Courageous Conversations about Race, an Advisor for Integrated Schools, and she has been appointed by Governor Walz to the Education Commission of the States, a partner with education policy leaders to address issues by sharing resources and expertise. Follow Dr. Stephens on Twitter: @MNTOY2006

In this episode, Dr. Stephens defines critical race theory and delineates the five tenets of CRT:

  1. Permanence of Racism--so embedded in society it seems natural & is often invisible

  2. Counter Storytelling--sharing stories that are counter to the dominant narrative

  3. Interest Convergence--Civil Rights victories occur when White People benefit. In other words when interests converge.

  4. Critique of Liberalism--challenges the notion of neutrality, objectivity, colorblindness, & meritocracy

  5. Whiteness of Property--According to legal CRT scholar Harris, property functions on 3 levels: the right of possession, the right to use and the right to allocate. Furthermore, the right to transfer, enjoy and exclude.

We then discuss whether or not CRT is currently being taught anywhere in the US in K-12 classrooms how some folks confuse critical race theory and culturally responsive/reflective teaching and whether or not it should be. 

Check out Dr. Stephens’ Writing & Podcasting:

Champagne & Real Pain:

🥂Fight for Honesty in Education

👎🏻Shame on these people: Linda Ader, Erick Johnson, and David Weinberg who are running for Peninsula SD No. 401 on false narrative about CRT & comprehensive sex education

Do Your Fudging Homework:

Ep. 102: Cancel Culture is Fake Moral Panic

EQ: What is the difference between Cancel Culture and Consequence Culture and how should each be utilized to promote justice and equity in the world?

Guest: Nate Bowling--2016 WA STOY, King of Cancel, and host of the Nerd Farm Podcast, the second hottest show in the Channel 253 network. 

After a quick temperature check with “Yeah, No, Yeah”, Megan, Hope, and Nate dive into defining cancel culture. From shunning to medieval mob justice, cancel culture is often touted as unfair and extreme. The team discusses  various iterations such as call-in culture, consequence culture and what it means to remorse, reconciliation and accountability. In the end, they that those crying “stop cancelling me” are just whining about accountability in an era of social media and public consciousness that calls out sexism, racism, and bigotry more than ever before. Dr. Seuss really isn’t cancelled. Trump still has access to social media platforms. Matt Ygelsias is still alive and well on Substack. Folks with power and privilege are painting this era in moral outrage. When in fact, the outrage should be at the injustices that run rampant through our community. “If we can hold 14 and 15year old Black males who make mistakes accountable for the rest of their lives, then college educated white folks can afford to lose jobs.”

Additional Resources:

Champagne & Real Pain:

🥂  Nikole Hannah Jones, The 1619 Project

🥂 All companies and corporations not being afraid to be called out for “cancel culture” and react in an expedited way (Ben and Jerry’s!)

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Megan: Pay attention to redistricting/panic of the 2020 elections and impact on voter suppression

  • Nate: Don’t engage in debates over cancel culture. You have a right to guard your time and energy.