Pre-K students given 'Anti-Racism Fight Club' presentation at DC public school
WASHINGTON (TND) — An elementary school principal in Washington, D.C. spurred outrage after she sent a letter to parents indicating their pre-K through third graders had been exposed to an “anti-racism” presentation, at which they were also given a “fistbook” to carry on what they had learned.
In a “Letter from the Principal,” Principal Daniellle Singh announced student involvement in an “Anti-Racism Fight Club” presentation. The letter noted each student received a “fistbook” to continue the dialogue introduced during the presentation.
“If a Black person says something mean to a white person, he has no power over him,” reads an excerpt from the “fistbook” handed out to pre-K through third graders. “It’s as if white people walk around with an invisible force field because they hold all of the power in America,” reads another.
The “fistbook” also goes into extensive explanations about “white privilege,” and asserts that asking, “Why does everything have to be about race? Can we talk about something else?” is a form of subtle racism.
“Anti-racism is not simply being against racism. It is an active mission to end racism in all of its forms,” the “fistbook” continues.
Singh’s announcement generated a flurry of criticism on the “DC Urban Moms and Dads” online forum.
“I was literally laughing out loud reading the ‘Fistbook’ they distributed. Super curious as to how many parents actually attended the Anti-Racism Fight Club from the dude riding the DEI wave all the way to the bank,” a user claiming to have kids at the school wrote. “As far as I'm concerned, all this serves to do is other-ize the POC they love and look up to, assign guilt where none should exist on a child, and divide another American generation along lines of color,” they added. “Teach the history, teach the present, teach the truth. But this was seriously one of those times where I wish I lived in VA or something where an adult could feel safe even posing the question of, ‘do we really think this is the best use of students time and school funding? Is this appropriate?’”
Others agreed with the disgruntled parent, while some levied their own criticisms about the presentation and its materials.
Those voicing their displeasure on the forum didn't get by without being challenged.
“Kids didn't call it assembly. K kids forgot about it the minute it ended,” wrote one user in a post on the forum for moms and dads in the nation’s capital. “Nobody was scared and there was nothing scary presented. While it was for kids and appropriate for them, I don't expect the younger ones to understand any of it. Is it needed? Yes, but it was needed for people who are grown-ups now. Not sure when it should start though.”
The National Desk (TND) reached out to Singh and D.C. Public Schools for comment, and to inquire whether the criticized assembly was accompanied with an option for parents to take their kids out. TND has not heard back, but if a response is received, it will be added to this story.
