An elementary school in Denver, Colorado, has implemented ‘Families of Color Playground Night’ in the name of equity, the National Review reported.
Journalist Christopher Rufo, who reports mainly on problems in schools and critical race theory, broke the story by sharing a sign promoting the event.
Denver Public Schools now promoting racially-segregated playtime—for “equity.” pic.twitter.com/QO5XZXHfcX
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) December 14, 2021
Rufo reported that the event was organized by the school’s Dean of Culture, Nicole Tembrock, and that it was canceled because of COVID-19 protocols.
The school has reportedly made plans to reschedule in the new year.
Dave Kopel, a law professor at University of Denver, replied to one of Rufo’s tweets explaining the event would be in violation of the Colorado state constitution, which says “nor shall any distinction or classification of pupils be made on account of race or color.”
University of Denver law professor @davekopel points out that this is illegal under the Colorado Constitution.https://t.co/KE5USItP3W
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) December 14, 2021
The Denver Public Schools released a statement supporting this event, stating their commitment “to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusion and belonging” and claiming that there was a specific request from families to “create a space of belonging.”
It is not specified who made this request or what the exact wording of the request was.
Despite the clear racial divisions of this event, the statement from DPS claims “efforts like these are about uniting us, not dividing us.”
Denver Public Schools’ Scott Pribble (he/him/his) has confirmed Centennial Elementary’s racially-segregated playground program, which, he claims, “create a space of belonging” and “are about uniting us, not dividing us.” pic.twitter.com/UuFfbqxSsY
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) December 14, 2021
While it is possible legal action could be taken against the school system for this event, there have been no reported steps taken.
