The White County Board of Education Thursday night declared the issue of Critical Race Theory and the accusations against an after-school teachers group called "Warriors for Social Justice" closed.
A group of nearly 200 people was present at the regular meeting where another group "Citizens for Transparent Education" levied more charges that the school system was allowing the teaching of CRT and Marxist ideas.
The citizens group first made its claims in July, saying the private group of teachers was promoting the ideology.
Six people addressed board at the meeting, which was held in the gymnasium at White County Middle School in anticipation of the large crowd.
James King, the leader of the citizens group, continued to call for the teacher group to be dissolved.
"We will not stop until all White County students are safe from 'Warriors for Social Justice,'" King said.
Following the public comments, White County Board of Education Chair Missy Jarrard said the White County Board of Education had thoroughly investigated the allegations brought forth against the teacher group.
"We have found nothing to support the claims that Critical Race Theory has been brought into any curriculum or has impacted instruction in any way," Jarrard said.
Jarrard further stated that the school system has followed the state board standards.
A majority of those in attendance appeared to be there to support the school system and Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett, many of them standing and applauding when Jarrard announced the investigation had found no wrongdoing on the part of the teachers.
"Tthe members of the Board of Education support White County Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett and the teachers and staff of White County School System," Jarrard said. "At this point - and this level - the White County Board of Education considers this matter closed.”
During the course of the meeting, each board member personally voiced support for Burkett and the school system.
Following Thursday’s meeting, King, released a written statement expressing his disappointment with the outcome of the meeting.
"I am extremely disappointed in the behavior and conduct of the White County Board of Education tonight, but especially John Solomon. Not once have I vilified any individual member of the Board of Education, but my character, professionalism, intelligence, and credibility were all slandered tonight by three of the five Board of Education members. I have repeatedly called for forgiveness of all 19 members of Warriors for Social Justice because I believe we all make mistakes. While I have shared quotes and other documentation by the 19, I have not degraded the character or integrity of the individuals themselves.
"What I have unwaveringly called for is the group itself to be disbanded, for the Board of Education to enact policies preventing similar groups from being formed, and to promote transparency. I am now calling for an apology from the Board of Education as well. I cannot fathom why these simple requests have been met with such hostility.
"The White County Board of Education may officially consider this matter closed, but as I said in my speech tonight we will continue our efforts to protect White County's children."
