I'm a former high school teacher. We need DEI, but discourse must center on civility

Yahoo

05-03-2025

Recent events have prompted me to take a time-out from my assignment of writing on the generation of young men adrift. I fear that the inability for us adults in the room to practice civility is penalizing our kids.
I've observed that most Oklahomans do not understand critical race theory (CRT) or Oklahoma's House Bill 1775. I don't mean that as a slight ― misinformation thrives in an age of information overload.
What is CRT?
CRT was developed in the 1970s by Derrick Bell, Harvard's first tenured Black professor, to examine shortcomings in civil rights laws. Over time, scholars expanded CRT to analyze systemic racism ― how legal and social structures have historically disadvantaged minorities.
CRT remained in law schools until the Black Lives Matter movement brought it to the mainstream after the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
A law professor teaching CRT might ask students to study redlining ― the historical practice of denying Black families home loans, which affected generational wealth. CRT is an academic tool, not a curriculum for K-12 schools.
Despite controversy, HB 1775 does not mention CRT or DEI. It prohibits Oklahoma's K-12 public schools from teaching that:
One race or sex is inherently superior.
An individual is inherently oppressive.
A race or gender is inherently mediocre.
It does not prevent teaching about historical discrimination, civil rights or racism. It should be clear that Gov. Kevin Stitt instructed the state auditor's office to investigate whether Tulsa Public Schools used state funds to violate HB 1775 ― not whether CRT was being taught.
A teacher cannot say: 'All white people are racist.' 'If you are white, you are responsible for past injustices.'
A teacher can say: 'Oklahoma's history includes the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.' 'The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed racial discrimination.'
Opinion: DEI is pro-opportunity. CRT is pro-truth. They benefit all, regardless of race.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is a framework used in workplaces, schools, and organizations to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for people of all races, gender, religion, etc.
Unlike CRT, which is an academic theory, DEI is a real-world initiative.
Schools: Training teachers to recognize implicit bias.
Workplaces: Encouraging diverse (but fair) hiring practices.
Health care: Ensuring culturally competent care.
DEI is not affirmative action, nor does it give preferential treatment to minorities ― hence the focus on equity. I would argue that a drag queen wishing to lead story-hour is wrongly riding the coattails of DEI.
I earned my teaching certification through the Tulsa Teachers Corps (TTC) program.
Did TTC train teachers on CRT? I was there, and the answer is, 'No.'
Did TTC breach HB-1775? Again, I was there, and the answer is, 'No.'
Did TTC teach DEI? Absolutely ― 100% yes.
Opinion: 'DEI' has been co-opted for political gain, but its principles are common sense
Growing up in Tulsa as an Asian American, I faced little discrimination ― nothing compared to what my Black friends endured. But in my classroom, where 75% of my students identified as minorities, I saw the need for DEI.
I believe in DEI ― not 100%. Like anything, I don't accept it all without question.
Take it from someone who was in the room: Black students, in particular, are not treated fairly by society. Many face daily reminders of injustice. If you are like me, you need to see it close and up front to come to this sad reality.
My fervent wish and prayer are that we approach these discussions with civility ― thus the root word 'civil.'
After 38 years in Los Angeles, K. John Lee recently boomeranged back to his Oklahoma roots. He is a financier, real estate investor, former high school teacher and a father of two young men.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: DEI, CRT discussions are misinformed. Our kids suffer most | Opinion