The University of South Carolina’s College of Education is training future educators to "dismantle" systemic racism through "culturally responsive teaching," despite a state budget proviso explicitly banning critical race theory instruction in public K-12 schools.
Documents obtained by Fox News Digital reveal the College of Education’s commitment to developing teachers who act as "change agents" against institutional and individual injustices. The program emphasizes identifying "privilege, disenfranchisement, oppression, and silencing," while affirming students' identities related to race, gender, and sexual orientation.
Adam Mahdavi, a 2022 USC graduate, expressed concern that the education faculty targeted students based on their religious and political beliefs. He felt that expressing conservative or Christian viewpoints made him a target.
The College of Education offers courses that appear to incorporate critical race theory principles. One middle school teacher preparation course, "Integrated Curriculum at the Middle Level," focuses on "social justice & antiracism." The syllabus states a belief that teacher candidates should address inequities related to race, gender, class, and linguistic differences.
This course also explores how curriculum can create barriers for students from diverse backgrounds. The syllabus previously claimed alignment with the USC education department's mission to prepare teachers for "culturally relevant, anti-racist, pro-Black instruction." This mission statement has since been removed from the university website.
Other courses, such as "Antiracist Education" and "Critical Race Theory in Education," delve into topics like systemic racism, power dynamics, and the intersection of race, class, gender, and sexuality in education. The "Schools in Communities" course examines the impact of schools on marginalized groups.
Mahdavi believes the university is training teachers to bypass the state's CRT ban by using carefully chosen language. He encourages parents to be aware of the educational philosophies shaping future teachers.
The University of South Carolina has stated that there is no mandatory DEI training but has not commented on the specific curriculum of the College of Education.
