Texas principal forced to resign amid critical race theory controversy

A Texas high school principal will resign in 2023 and will be placed on paid administrative leave in the interim amid a controversy in the district surrounding critical race theory, according to a report by CNN. 

James Whitfield of Colleyville Heritage High and the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District has been embroiled in a controversy for months amid accusations that he was indoctrinating students, NBC News reported. He was previously suspended earlier in the school year over the same accusations, according to NBC.

Under a deal worked out between the school and Whitfield, he will go on paid administrative leave and then will resign.

Whitfield told NBC News on Monday that “this is beyond me,” and he hoped people could “use this to move forward and to progress.” He added that he hopes people are “okay with teaching truth” and “embracing inclusivity and diversity, celebrating every student that walks through the doors of our schools.” 

NBC reported that the high school’s student population is majority white. Whitfield is Black.

Colleyville, Texas high school principal Dr. James Whitfield has lost his job following accusations that he promoted critical race theory to students.

Join us for his exclusive interview with @ahylton26 at 6:30 pm ET / 5:30 pm CT (check listings). pic.twitter.com/I2mLM60wQB

— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) November 9, 2021

Parents in the school district’s area accused Whitfield of pushing critical race theory on students, though NBC reported there was no evidence the theory was taught in Colleyville High School or by Whitfield. 

Conservatives around the country have criticized the idea of critical race theory, which is an academic theory that posits that systemic racism is ingrained in American society. Proponents argue students need to be taught in a way that is consistent with this idea.

Whitfield remains firm in his resolve to teach what he views as giving all students of different backgrounds opportunities to learn in a “safe, inclusive, magical” environment. 

And we will not allow this weaponization to deter our resolve, but rather, we will stand firmly and even more committed to creating safe, inclusive, magical places for students to experience each day, preparing them for boundless opportunities https://t.co/6JSz1qCLzv

— Dr. James Whitfield (@DrJamesWhit) November 9, 2021

In June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that outlawed critical race theory from being taught in state schools and forbidding the schools from teaching that individuals bear responsibility for actions committed by people in the past due to their race.