In dozens of school board races statewide, conservative candidates ran on a “parents first” platform that seeks to ban the teaching of America’s history of racism, referred to as “critical race theory,” and rein in government control over education. They had limited success on the Nov. 8 ballot, with scattered victories in districts such as San Diego, Sacramento and Placer counties. This was another anticipated red wave that never materialized, but you can bet they and their ideas will be back in future elections.
These candidates were recruited and funded by conservative groups, politicians and the Republican Party, and tapped into the frustration of parents fed up with underwhelming academic performance, further magnified by the pandemic. Though they claimed to be running to give parents greater voice in local school politics to promote better academic results, many espoused divisive agendas.
For example, Lisa Disbrow ran unsuccessfully for the Contra Costa Board of Education, arguing that schools are teaching kids that they “can be trapped in the wrong body” and “have the wrong brain.” Megan Allen also was unsuccessful in her bid for a seat on the Natomas Unified School District after describing gender-neutral bathrooms as a place where girls can get raped.
