Teaching Anti-Racism is Malpractice Because It Violates Many Provisions of the NEA’s Code of Ethics

I was looking at the National Education Association’s (NEA) Code of Ethics. It is titled: “Code of Ethics for Educators:
The National Education Association believes the education profession consists of one education workforce serving the needs of all students and provides standards by which to judge conduct.”

I challenge you to take a look at Principle I of this Code of Ethics and try to count the many ways that “anti-racism” (Critical Race Theory) violates this code of ethics. The main problem is that CRT involves cult indoctrination based on preaching, not an open and vibrant exchange of ideas. I’ll help by turning the code violations into red text below:

PRINCIPLE I

COMMITMENT TO THE STUDENT

The educator strives to help each student realize his or her potential as a worthy and effective member of society. The educator therefore works to stimulate the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the thoughtful formulation of worthy goals.

In fulfillment of the obligation to the student, the educator–

1. Shall not unreasonably restrain the student from independent action in the pursuit of learning.

2. Shall not unreasonably deny the student’s access to varying points of view.

3. Shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter relevant to the student’s progress.

4. Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning or to health and safety.

5. Shall not intentionally expose the student to embarrassment or disparagement.

6. Shall not on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, marital status, political or religious beliefs, family, social or cultural background, or sexual orientation, unfairly–

Exclude any student from participation in any program
Deny benefits to any student
Grant any advantage to any student

7. Shall not use professional relationships with students for private advantage.

8. Shall not disclose information about students obtained in the course of professional service unless disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law.

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Erich Vieth

Erich Vieth is an attorney focusing on civil rights (including First Amendment), consumer law litigation and appellate practice. At this website often writes about censorship, corporate news media corruption and cognitive science. He is also a working musician, artist and a writer, having founded Dangerous Intersection in 2006. Erich lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his two daughters.

This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Avatar of Bill Heath
    Bill Heath April 22, 2021 Reply

    Doesn’t violate a thing if you get to redefine the words.

  2. Avatar of Ruth Henriquez Lyon
    Ruth Henriquez Lyon April 23, 2021 Reply

    I was wondering about this. And I’m also wondering when someone will bring the first lawsuit. I’m not holding my breath for the ACLU to take it up.

    That being said, there are forms of anti-racist teaching and discussion that do not infringe on peoples’ rights and dignity. But the devil is always in the details.

  3. Avatar of Ruth Henriquez
    Ruth Henriquez April 24, 2021 Reply

    Thank you for the link; I just signed up for her to send me information. I also listened to the webinar that F.A.I.R. does for new members; I’m waiting to hear more about their strategy.

    1. Avatar of Erich Vieth
      Erich Vieth April 24, 2021

      Thanks, Ruth. I’ll check out the Fair webinar too. I can get behind those principles.

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