Fox News slams USC education college for anti-racist mission statement. It was removed
USC’s College of Education removed an anti-racist mission statement from the college’s website following an inquiry by Fox News, which accused the school of teaching future educators concepts related to critical race theory.
According to Fox, the department’s mission statement had included preparing teachers “to be proficient in culturally relevant, anti-racist, pro-Black instruction; and to promote democratic principles and ideas within and across all educational settings.”
But before Fox published its news story, the statement had been taken down. A link to it resulted in a “404 page not found” message.
The University of South Carolina did not comment on the statement Fox referred to.
A mission statement currently available on the education college’s website says the college “emphasizes the active construction and application of knowledge, skills, and dispositions to promote educational excellence, equity and opportunity in the 21st century.”
The statement indicates it was approved by faculty and staff in 2001.
“We are committed to developing and sharing our expertise and leadership as well as offering a forum for educational dialogue and advancement,” the mission statement reads.
The statement says the university is dedicated to “preparing educators to have a sincere understanding and appreciation of diversity as we challenge ourselves and others to work for social justice.”
When asked about the mission statement referred to by Fox News, university spokesman Koby Padgett said the education college “is currently undergoing strategic planning at all levels in preparation for a reorganization, including assessment of mission and vision.”
Adam Mahdavi, a 2022 USC graduate, told Fox that he wanted parents to be aware of how their children’s teachers were trained, and claimed that the university prepares teachers to “circumvent” the prohibition of CRT.
“If you’re vocal about your Christianity, conservatism, constitutional Republicanism, if you voice that out, you will be a target every single day,” Mahdavi told Fox. “And they’ll try to make you want to quit.”
When asked for a reaction to Mahdavi’s allegations, university spokesman Jeff Stensland said USC is committed to the principles of free speech, expression and inquiry.
“Part of the long tradition of American higher education is the belief that free and open dialogue is a key ingredient to arriving at universal truths and common understanding,” Stensland said. “Our students represent a broad range of political perspectives and are encouraged to explore different viewpoints while being respectful of those they may disagree with.”
A South Carolina state budget proviso bans public K-12 schools from funneling state money towards teaching concepts derived from critical race theory.
Critical race theory, according to the Legal Defense Fund, is an academic and legal framework that acknowledges systemic racism as part of American society. References to discrimination, anti-racism, intersectionality, social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion are often categorized concepts related to critical race theory.
