Get rid of “antiquated” thinking of the old-timers, bring about ‘deep transformation’ to the City of Sequim?
Sequim, WA – May 9, 2021 Part 2 in a series – At its upcoming meeting to be held May 10, 2021, the Sequim City Council will hear a report about the progress of work done in response to a resolution passed last year by the city council, condemning discrimination and racism.
Much has happened over the past year, including utilizing different terminology, and thus changing the “conversation” – to use the words of the several committees and groups promoting it. (See background below to see how we got here.)
A steering committee was set up, along with a Community Engagement Committee to start a “public engagement system” to determine how much racism is actually in Sequim (and now, the surrounding communities). The steering committee has only met a couple of times, but the Community Engagement Committee, led by Barbara Hanna, Communications & Marketing Director, with an unknown number of committee members (names of committee members have not been disclosed to the public), has been very busy indeed.
Changing the terminology from the original Resolution as passed by the City Council in June 2020, it now addresses “Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”. Going beyond the City (as was specified in the original Resolution), it now encompasses a much “broader” area, in which Sequim will only have a part. All of this, mind you, at the expense of the City of Sequim and the City taxpayers.
Two community “conversations” were held on April 20 and 23rd on zoom, led by 3 trained facilitators, Miriame Cherbib, Vickie Lowe, and Carlos Osorio. They did not record the meetings, and decided rather than use actual statements made by participants, to come away with “themes”, as interpreted by the facilitators, to provide the council members. The facilitators made leading statements and led the direction of the “conversations”, rather than allowing participants to address the four questions without comments by the facilitators. Conclusions drawn and reflected in the “themes” report are an interpretation of statements made, leading to pre-determined outcomes.
Part of the Report to the Council addresses financial implications. Currently, it states, there is not a “specific” financial implication but there may be some in the future depending on Council direction. In light of the fact that $1,000 has already been paid to GARE [Government Alliance for Race and Equity] for city membership indicates a possible commitment to future expenses to that organization. Discussion in the Report about “correcting any possibility of systemic racism” leads to many questions, as well.
There were approximately 90 individuals present at both meetings (several were at both, so were counted once.) A question arises as to how many of the participants were also members of the committee, since no names are forthcoming of committee members.
All three facilitators promoted the ideas of “Race, Equity and Inclusion” in their statements, which are buzz words for “Critical Race theory.” This concept is also promoted by the model from GARE, used by the committee for developing the “conversations” and the four questions they asked those in attendance. GARE also promotes the concept of “Critical Race Theory”.
So what is Critical Race Theory, which is now being taught in schools, and promoted across our State nation, and which parents, and now some States, are resisting?
Christopher F. Rufo, founder and director of Battlefront, a public policy research center, a graduate of Georgetown University and a former Lincoln Fellow at the Claremont Institute for the Study of Statesmanship and Political Philosophy, offers this explanation:
“Critical race theory is an academic discipline, formulated in the 1990s, built on the intellectual framework of identity-based Marxism. Relegated for many years to universities and obscure academic journals, over the past decade it has increasingly become the default ideology in our public institutions. It has been injected into government agencies, public school systems, teacher training programs, and corporate human resources departments in the form of diversity training programs, human resources modules, public policy frameworks, and school curricula.
“There are a series of euphemisms deployed by its supporters to describe critical race theory, including “equity,” “social justice,” “diversity and inclusion,” and “culturally responsive teaching.” Critical race theorists, masters of language construction, realize that “neo-Marxism” would be a hard sell. Equity, on the other hand, sounds non-threatening and is easily confused with the American principle of equality. But the distinction is vast and important. Indeed, equality—the principle proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, defended in the Civil War, and codified into law with the 14th and 15th Amendments, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965—is explicitly rejected by critical race theorists. To them, equality represents “mere nondiscrimination” and provides “camouflage” for white supremacy, patriarchy, and oppression.
“In contrast to equality, equity as defined and promoted by critical race theorists is little more than reformulated Marxism. In the name of equity, UCLA Law Professor and critical race theorist Cheryl Harris has proposed suspending private property rights, seizing land and wealth and redistributing them along racial lines. Critical race guru Ibram X. Kendi, who directs the Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University, has proposed the creation of a federal Department of Antiracism. This department would be independent of (i.e., unaccountable to) the elected branches of government, and would have the power to nullify, veto, or abolish any law at any level of government and curtail the speech of political leaders and others who are deemed insufficiently “antiracist.”
In the second “Community Conversation”, one of the speakers working with the facilitators suggested that Sequim move away from its “antiquated ways of thinking”… and was quickly corrected by former Democrat Party chair Ron Richards from Port Angeles, who said he should be careful about how the words are phrased. “I think there’s a little bit of phraseology that needs to be addressed if we’re trying to make progress in Sequim with the ‘old-timers,’ I’m not sure we want to speak in the terms of antiquated ways of thinking. I think we need to find a better term for our differences of opinions. I think if we went to someone and used that term, and said, oh, you have antiquated ways of thinking, we might not be well received…to advance our good social causes, I think we need to approach these people with different opinions in a ‘different way’. Cherbib agreed, saying, “That goes to show how powerful language is, and that’s what we’re talking about – just a word like that – a phrase – is going to change the whole dynamic of what we’re talking about.”
To further quote Rufo from his speech at Hillsdale College:
“On the grassroots level, a multiracial and bipartisan coalition is emerging to do battle against critical race theory. Parents are mobilizing against racially divisive curricula in public schools and employees are increasingly speaking out against Orwellian reeducation in the workplace. When they see what is happening, Americans are naturally outraged that critical race theory promotes three ideas—race essentialism, collective guilt, and neo-segregation—which violate the basic principles of equality and justice. Anecdotally, many Chinese-Americans have told me that having survived the Cultural Revolution in their former country, they refuse to let the same thing happen here.
“In terms of principles, we need to employ our own moral language rather than allow ourselves to be confined by the categories of critical race theory. For example, we often find ourselves debating “diversity.” Diversity as most of us understand it is generally good, all things being equal, but it is of secondary value. We should be talking about and aiming at excellence, a common standard that challenges people of all backgrounds to achieve their potential. On the scale of desirable ends, excellence beats diversity every time.
“Similarly, in addition to pointing out the dishonesty of the historical narrative on which critical race theory is predicated, we must promote the true story of America—a story that is honest about injustices in American history, but that places them in the context of our nation’s high ideals and the progress we have made towards realizing them. Genuine American history is rich with stories of achievements and sacrifices that will move the hearts of Americans—in stark contrast to the grim and pessimistic narrative pressed by critical race theorists.
Of interest is the explanation of “diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)” by Stanford University’s Center and Philanhropy and Civil Society especially under the section”Creating an Environment Where DEI Can Grow:”
Acknowledging “systemic racism”. Creating safe spaces for people of color and white people to acknowledge the emotional toll bias, discrimination, and racism have on people of color, and to engage in honest conversation, learning, and healing.
To hold the collective accountable, organizations need to make learning about anti-racism mandatory.
Creating societal change by effectively collaborating with others to foster social justice.
Make collective accountability for anti-racism and inclusion a core value and add a justice lens to DEI strategies.
The old policy was based on an equality model, treating everyone the same; the revised policy was based on an equity model, providing people with what they need.
For any who have learned about Marxism in school, there’s a familiar ring to the above statements: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” (Karl Marx in Critique of the Gotha Programme)
From Dictionary.com: The doctrines of Karl Marx (see also Marx) and his associate Friedrich Engels on economics, politics, and society. They include the notion of economic determinism — that political and social structures are determined by the economic conditions of people. Marxism calls for a classless society in which all means of production are commonly owned (communism), a system to be reached as an inevitable result of the struggle between the leaders of capitalism and the workers.
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1 RUFO: As executive director at the Documentary Foundation, he has directed four films for PBS, including most recently America Lost, which explores life in Youngstown, Ohio, Memphis, Tennessee, and Stockton, California. He is also a contributing editor of City Journal, where he covers topics including critical race theory, homelessness, addiction, and crime. Excerpts are from a speech given at Hillsdale College on March 30, 2021.
Participate in your government – Information at the bottom of this page.
Background:
Resolution NO. R2020-12 “A Resolution of the City of Sequim Condemning Discrimination, and Racism” was approved by the Sequim City Council and signed on June 22, 2020.
The Resolution stated, in part, that
- “all citizens of the City of Sequim will be treated equally and fairly, in accordance with our Mission and Values;”
- that the City of Sequim is “working to remove barriers that keep all citizens from experiencing this exceptional community and great place to live;
- The City of Sequim “will implement anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training on an annual basis for employees of the City of Sequim.”
No definition or statement was included to indicate what “barriers” the City currently has.
No examples or reasons were given that there currently exists harassment or discrimination by employees of the City of Sequim.
On the Agenda for that meeting, there was an attached document by then-City Manager Charlie Bush entitled, “Sequim Anti-Racism and Discrimination Public Engagement System – Mission Possible” [Public Engagement System]. It was presented to the city council by Charisse Deschenes, then-Assistant City Manager, and Barbara Hanna, Communications & Marketing Director, with a list of proposed steps to be taken by an “Alliance of Institutions (Steering Committee)”, including “Initial efforts to work with the community to define the problem(s).”
Many laws are already in existence for any individual who believes they are the target of discrimination or anti-racism.
One of the items in the Public Engagement System called for additional trainings for city “employees and volunteers, including the City Council and Board and Commission members” using GARE (Government Alliance of Racism and Equity) and “other resources”. Researching GARE, it is an organization which is an alliance of “Race Forward” and the “Othering and Belonging Institute”, of Berkeley, California, which states on its website home page that “Right now our country needs deep transformation across many institutions to achieve racial equity”, and that “White Supremacists and segregationists [are] at the highest levels of government… “
The “Design Team”, created under the Public Engagement System, has expanded from race to a myriad of other groups, including undocumented people (illegal aliens), homeless, people who suffer from addiction/opioid use ‘disorder’ (drug addicts), those who ‘feel’ invisible, and many others.
There has been no transparency to the public (taxpayers) in connection with any of the committees or ‘teams’ formed in connection with the “Public Engagement System”. There is a lack of transparency, as names of the individuals involved with the committees have not been disclosed, other than the three who “facilitated” the “community conversations” held on April 20 and April 23, 2021: Mirame Cherbib, Vicki Lowe and Carlos Osorio. Cherbib and Osorio do not live in Sequim. Lowe works as Executive Director at American Indian Health Commission of Washington State.
So-called “community conversations” were led by “trained facilitators” (apparently also members of the “Committee”), The members of the Committee making the decisions have not been disclosed. The committee has moved away from “discrimination and racism” to be renamed “race, equity and inclusion” – buzzwords for Critical Race Theory, a highly controversial racist movement taking place across America.
Four questions are being asked of the community that are the same questions asked across the nation, set up by the GARE organization (Read GARE STORY HERE):
- How do we create an even more inclusive City?
- What do you envision for our City in 20 years related to inclusion?
- How do you feel Sequim is doing as it relates to equity?
- How does our community want to be involved in this work?
The questions raised are highly subjective with no clear definitions of “inclusion” and “equity”.
The broad “themes” presented by the committee do not accurately reflect actual statements made by attendees, most of whom were not residents of the city of Sequim.
The staff’s committees went beyond the intent and wording of the Resolution itself as passed (Resolution No. R2020-12), which was limited to the City of Sequim and the citizens of Sequim, and limited to “anti-racism and discrimination, and addressed the City’s employees. It has now expanded to promoting the concept of “race, equity and inclusion”, which moves away from individual responsibility, and toward “group think” in terms of dividing people based on the color of their skin or other divisive matters. Federal laws already prohibit discrimination based on a person’s national origin, race, color, religion, disability, sex, and familial status. Laws prohibiting national origin discrimination make it illegal to discriminate because of a person’s birthplace, ancestry, culture or language.
To date, this endeavor has cost Sequim taxpayers for, at minimum, 60 hours of staff time with 10 staff members, and it has not been disclosed to the public how much time is on the city’s dime and how much actual time was “volunteered” by staff members.
To continue moving forward with the Public Engagement System is unnecessary and is costing taxpayers and the City money that could be spent far better elsewhere in infrastructure and projects that will serve the citizens well.
We are all Americans. Laws exist to protect individuals who may be discriminated against. Lincoln aptly stated, “A divided house cannot stand.” Critical Race Theory and the promotion of it serves to divide, not unite.
The Agenda for the City Council meeting can be found here:
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2420
The public can hear and participate in this meeting online at https://zoom.us/j/91235464249.
People may also join by calling (253) 215–8782 and using ID#912 3546 4249.
Written public comment can be sent to smcmillon@sequimwa.govand will be distributed to the Council prior to the meeting.
The Report to be given can be seen here:https://www.sequimwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17961/Recap-of-Community-Conversations-on-Race-Equity-and-Inclusion—Cvr
“Notes” by the facilitators for the April 20, 2021 “Community Conversation” can be seen here:
https://www.sequimwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17959/Notes-from-Community-Conversation-03202021
“Notes” by the facilitators for the April 23, 2021 “Community Conversation” can be seen here:
https://www.sequimwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17960/Notes-from-Community-Conversation-03232021
According to one report to promote her in a talk at Studium Generale, Miriame Cherbib is an “anti-racist educator”. She founded Speaking Justice to “help organizations and people of all ages and backgrounds to build the skills needed to use their voice for justice in everyday life”.
Miriame is Tunisian, French and American. She grew up in France, in a community of human rights activists.
After a Masters degree in International Economics, she worked at the French National Research Institute on the Economics of Climate Change and helped design and organize a national dialogue on the development of renewable energies. She attended the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in 2009.
For the last five years, she has been teaching French and Francophone cultures at Five Acre School in Sequim and has developed an elementary level anti-racist curriculum. She is the conceptor of the Five Habits of Speaking Justice and facilitates workshops for educators and parents who want to integrate the principles of social justice into their everyday lives and practice them with children.
Critique of the Gotha Programme is a critique of the draft programme of the United Workers’ Party of Germany. In this document Marx address the dictatorship of the proletariat, the period of transition from capitalism to communism, the two phases of communist society, the production and distribution of the social goods, proletarian internationalism, and the party of the working class. Lenin later wrote:
The great significance of Marx’s explanation is, that here too, he consistently applies materialist dialectics, the theory of development, and regards communism as something which develops out of capitalism. Instead of scholastically invented, ‘concocted’ definitions and fruitless disputes over words (What is socialism? What is communism?), Marx gives analysis of what might be called the stages of the economic maturity of communism.
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