Denver Public Schools (DPS) is facing backlash over its controversial ninth-grade "Introduction to Ethnic Studies" course, which has been accused of promoting a bizarre and radical racial equity and gender ideology.

Parental rights group Parents Defending Education (PDE) obtained the curriculum, revealing concerning lessons such as "Building a Collective Society" and "Intersectionality in Action."

According to PDE, the course includes topics like "Mapping Identity Through Poetry," "Beyond the Binary," "The Intersectionality Lens," and "Systemic Change."

Scott Pribble, the district's Director of External Communications, claimed that the course is not mandatory and that no concerns have been raised by parents. Yet, DPS’s own materials concerning the course describes it as “mandatory.”

One lesson in the curriculum asks students to analyze and critique individualist ideologies in the United States, aiming to steer them towards collectivist values. Students are asked to reflect on concepts like the American Dream and the Self-Made Man from a collectivist perspective. They are then introduced to Indigenous Plant Teachings to integrate collective values into their interpretations.

For example, a movie summary about a determined young Irish immigrant seeking love in 1920s New York City is transformed into a narrative about challenging class divisions and creating a more just society. Lessons also focus on American Indian culture, including designing a classroom worldview using a Navajo Four Cardinal Directions map and exploring the meaning behind representations of an Aztec deity.

The curriculum further introduces students to the term "anti-racism" and encourages them to watch an interview with Ibram X. Kendi, a prominent advocate for critical race theory. Additionally, students are taught the quote, "In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist; we must be anti-racist," attributed to Angela Davis.

In the unit on gender ideology, students analyze statistics on "anti-trans politics" and explore "gender fluid cultures," according to PDE. These lessons align with a larger trend of pushing progressive gender theories onto young students.

Critics argue that the DPS's forced indoctrination of young students with this radical curriculum is concerning.

The curriculum openly prioritizes promoting a collectivist worldview, undermining individualism and personal responsibility. It also raises questions about the appropriate role of schools in teaching controversial ideologies rather than focusing on academic subjects.

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With more than 88,000 students attending over 200 schools in the Denver Public Schools district, the widespread implementation of this curriculum raises additional concerns about the potential impact on students' education and critical thinking abilities.

Please note that the information in this article is based on various sources, including Parents Defending Education (PDE) and statements from DPS's Director of External Communications.