“On April 22, a Saratoga Springs High School English teacher violated school protocol by allowing local leaders of Black Lives Matter to give a lecture to his class.
This past weekend the district admitted that the teacher acted improperly.”

While Americans were focused on the pandemic and economic recovery, a dangerous ‘woke’ movement quietly swept through education systems across America. Under the guise of social justice, this relatively new theory (Critical Race Theory or CRT), is an academic movement of activists who seek to critically examine issues of race and to challenge traditional liberal approaches to racial justice. This ideology goes by several names, such as anti-racism, identity politics, and intersectionality, among others.

 While this philosophy may sound good on the surface, a deeper dive into its history and practice exposes disturbing realities. ‘Anti-Racism’ appears to reject the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement.  In doing so it suggests that society should judge everyone based on their inherent characteristics such as race, sex, and sexual identity rather than evaluating everyone on the content of their character. This flies in the face of Martin Luther King Jr’s dream that children “will one day live in a nation where they will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

 Anti-racists are explicit about their views. They often say things like; “All white people are born racist” and “All people of color are victims.” Doesn’t that paint a beautiful picture of humanity? This is morally repugnant and completely unacceptable.

These “Woke” actors believe that concepts such as meritocracy, delayed gratification, and being on time are examples of “Whiteness,” and designed to oppress people of different ethnic backgrounds.  It positions everyone into one of two groups.  Either you are an Oppressor, defined as White, Male, Straight and sometimes Asian, or you are Oppressed, defined as a person of color (Asians excluded), female and gay.

Americans have spent enormous amounts of time, money and blood breaking free from the chains of oppression, yet many CRT proponents claim racism has not improved? They claim racism is woven into the fabric of the nation and is “in the air we breathe.” If children are taught they are either oppressors or victims, what sort of future does that hold?  I am a firm believer that people either rise, or fall, to the level of their expectations.

The good news is parents and concerned community members across the country are fighting back.

Last week two Saratoga Springs Board of Education Trustees began to ask questions about some of the language included in the district’s new Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity in Education policy. The policy guidance includes eleven items that the district and Board of Education must implement, and is built off a framework provided to the school by the New York State School Board Association and the Board of Regents. 

Included in the eleven-point plan is a call to “Model Anti-Racist Language and Action.”

What exactly does it mean to “Model Anti-Racist language and action?” Interestingly, when two Trustees began asking questions of fellow board members, no two members answered the question in the same way.

Language is very powerful, and words matter. I want to know exactly what is meant by “Model Anti-Racist Language and Action.” This is like building a nuclear weapons lab, but some people are using the metric system, some are using the imperial system, and some think they are building a coffee shop.

Ibram X. Kendi, author of the book, “How to Be An Anti-Racist,” states: “The only remedy to racist discrimination is antiracist discrimination. The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination. The only remedy to present discrimination is future discrimination. The defining question is whether the discrimination is creating equity or inequity.  If the discrimination is creating equity, then it’s antiracist (good).  If discrimination is creating inequity, then it’s racist.”

Discrimination, defined by Anti-Racists, is any unequal outcome between groups.

So if a law firm is full of Asians and whites, and not blacks, that’s “racism” even if everybody was hired based solely on their qualifications and not their race. 

Fundamentally the modern Anti-Racist movement is not against discrimination, it’s against inequity, which in many cases makes it pro-discrimination!

As Mr. Kendi puts it, “When I see racial disparities, I see racism.”

Let’s take a look at the actual practice of ‘anti-racism;’ in education:

Parents for Defending Education, a non-for-profit organization, has documented more than 200 instances of inappropriate curricula and lessons taught to students as young as five years old. Examples:

• In California, 3rd graders in Cupertino were forced to deconstruct their racial identities, create identity maps and rank themselves according to their “power and privilege.”
• In Illinois, a Loyola Academy H.S. assignment asks students to apologize for the color of their skin.
• In Missouri, middle school teachers were forced to locate themselves on an “oppression matrix,” and watch a video of “George Floyd’s last words.”
• In NY, a Rockville Centre High School assignment asserts that police are the sixth leading cause of death for young Black men after cancer.
• In Rhode Island, the Moses Brown School unveiled a ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ plan with ‘concept of intersectionality;’ which segregates children by race.
• In Irvington NY, Union Free School district hosted a Zoom meeting with invitees from the NYU Metropolitan Center on Equity and the Transformation of Schools. During the event it was stated that “all white children are born racist” and that we all “have to undo our whiteness.”
• In NYC, a group of concerned parents sent an open letter to the Dalton Community regarding the school’s “anti-racism curriculum,” referencing classes with an “obsessive” focus on race and diversity, racist cop reenactments in science, de-centering whiteness in art class, learning about white supremacy and sexuality in health class, and wildly age-inappropriate issues.

Defenders of Anti-Racism in education will claim that these examples aren’t being “properly contextualized.”  But I ask them, in what context is it acceptable to demand students apologize for the color of their skin or to teach them that “all white people are born racist,” or “all people of color are victims?”

Kudos to the two board members who had the courage to ask pertinent questions about this vaguely written policy. It’s certainly not easy for anyone these days to stand up and ask a simple question to the ‘woke’ mob. Doing so can get a person harassed, cancelled, and shunned from polite society.

Interestingly, nowhere in the model guidance from the Board of Regents or the NYSSBA is the phrase, “Model Anti-Racist Action and Language.”  Why exactly is Saratoga Springs attempting to add it to the district policy?

The examples provided above may give Saratogians a glimpse into what the future of education may look like in the Saratoga Springs School District. Hopefulely they will give the Board of Education reason to pause, and carefully evaluate the policy language being debated this month.

I, along with Saratoga residents, overwhelming support more diversity and inclusion in the school system.  However, reasonable people should be able to agree that the school district must erect appropriate safeguards to prevent the most extreme examples of Anti-Racist Action in education, especially those that promote discrimination, from becoming a reality in Saratoga Springs. Now is our opportunity to make a difference on this topic…

Mark Your Calendars: On Tuesday, May 18, residents will be asked to vote for their new school board members. I urge you all to take this ‘right’ seriously. Do your own research and understand the values and beliefs of the candidates. For those who are interested, I endorse the following candidates for Saratoga Springs: Amanda Ellithorpe, Connie Woytowich & Christina Kraszewski.

Written by Chad Beatty, Publisher of Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — YAL backs ADF’s decision to take legal action against Skidmore College after denying student Hannah Davis to form a chapter of the organization on campus earlier this spring.

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) sent a demand letter to Skidmore College last Friday (May 7), threatening litigation against the college if they do not immediately recognize Davis’s Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) chapter to assemble. 

ADF’s Center for Academic Freedom is a legal team dedicated to protecting students’ freedoms of speech and association. YAL is the nation’s most active libertarian youth organization, with nearly 5,200 members at more than 400 colleges and universities across the country. In response to ADF taking legal action, YAL is officially speaking out in support of Davis and ADF. 

“It’s a shame that Skidmore College has chosen to sacrifice the values of truth, civil discourse, and real tolerance in the name of social justice,” YAL’s Chief of Staff, Sean Themea, said in a statement. “YAL stands with Hannah Davis, applauding this swift legal action from Alliance Defending Freedom to uphold her right to speak freely.”

ADF’s demand letter addresses Skidmore College President, Marc C. Conner, and begins as follows: 

“We represent Hannah Davis and Young Americans for Liberty, a student organization that seeks official recognition from your College…Your College promises every student robust freedom of speech and freedom to associate and form organizations on campus. But you have denied Ms. Davis the ability to form a YAL chapter because the student government labels YAL as a hate group. This is false and is quintessential viewpoint discrimination that violates Skidmore’s promises to its students. We urge you to rectify this decision immediately to avoid unnecessary litigation.”

The letter continues on, addressing how the college’s policies and promises to protect students’ First Amendment rights, as listed in the college’s Student Bill of Rights and the SGA Constitution have been violated.  The letter also details the hostility that Davis has experienced from fellow peers. ADF states that by refusing to allow the chapter, the college is “engaging in deceptive trade practices and false advertising under the New York Consumer Protection Act.” 

Saratoga TODAY reached out to Skidmore College for a comment. The college responded that, at this time, they do not have anything to share regarding the letter. 

ADF has given the college a deadline of May 21, 2021 to allow Davis to form her student chapter before legal action is taken. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Board of Trustees of Saratoga Independent School (S.I.S.) has named Robert C. Ahrens, Jr. as its new Head of School beginning July 1, 2021.

Robert “Bob” Ahrens has worked in independent schools for more than 25 years. For the past 7 years, Ahrens has served as the Assistant Head of School for Academics & Director of Upper School at Andrews Osborne Academy, a co-educational boarding school in Willoughby, OH. Over his vast career, he has worn many hats and served in numerous roles, beginning as a Middle School math teacher and Dean of Students before moving into administrative leadership positions. In addition, he has served as a member of six school accreditation teams as well as serving as a presenter at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) National Conference. 

Julie S. Fuller, President of the Board of Trustees, stated, “As Saratoga Independent School approaches its 30th Anniversary this September, we will not only be honoring the school’s past by commemorating our thirty-year history, but we will also be embracing its future. With Mr. Ahrens’ consummate vision, leadership, and extensive experience, we will be looking to our Strategic Plan to continue our unprecedented growth, academic success, and financial sustainability as a fully enrolled PreK through 8th grade, accredited institution.”

Ahrens earned a B.S. from Ohio State University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Villanova University. Ahrens was a recipient of the National Association of Independent Schools’ E.E. Ford Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads, a yearlong program of leadership development for emerging independent school leaders.

Current head of school, Lisa Brown, announced her retirement to the Saratoga Independent School community in January.  Under her four years of leadership, the school completed a successful $1.7 million capital campaign, launched a new middle school serving grades six, seven and eight, and completed the construction of a new academic wing.

Virtual and private tours are always available for prospective families. Families interested in scheduling a private or virtual tour may visit www.siskids.org/admissions/campus-tour or contact Colleen Fortune, Admissions Liaison, at 518-583-0841 or cfortune@siskids.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County has produced an online guide for voters for the School District Elections. 

Voters can access the guide at www.Vote411.org and by entering their address or to the League website, lwvsaratoga.org and selecting from the list of School District elections.  Also included is information about how voting will be conducted in each district,

Most of the candidates in the county seeking election positions agreed to participate in this year’s on-line guide. It includes biographical information, and answers to questions posed by LWV Saratoga County,

Information may be found regarding absentee voting, voting machines, military and overseas voting, assistance for voters with disabilities, voting hours, and ID needed for voting, as well as links to the NY State Board of Elections.  Information will be posted next month regarding the Primary Election on June 22. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ms. Michelle Tsao, Principal of Saratoga Springs High School, announces that Jason Zheng has been named Valedictorian of the Class of 2021 and that Julian Silva-Forbes has been named Salutatorian of the Class of 2021 at Saratoga Springs High School. 

Jason Zheng
Jason Zheng, son of Dun Ming and Mei Zheng of Saratoga Springs, will attend Yale University, and plans to pursue a career as a physician. 

Julian Silva-Forbes 
Julian Silva-Forbes, son of Keith and Sonia Silva of Saratoga Springs, will attend Columbia University and pursue a career in the media industry as a journalist or screenwriter. 

Kara Hausam
Kara Hausam will attend Northeastern University and major in chemistry.

Raquel Cohen
Raquel Cohen will attend Boston College and plans to become a doctor.

Jonathan D’Alonzo
Jonathan D’Alonzo will attend the University of Notre Dame and plans to become a doctor.

Devon “Kale” Kimble-Lee
Devon “Kale” Kimble-Lee will attend Lesley College and plans to pursue a career in art illustration and secondarily as an art teacher.

Kai Farr
Kai Farr will attend Boston University and plans to pursue a career as a film director.

Ava Herzog
Ava Herzog will attend RPI’s 7-year Accelerated Medical Program with Albany Medical College and plans to become a physician-scientist.

Jane Ginley
Jane Ginley will attend Boston College, where she was one of only 25 students selected to be part of its inaugural Human-Centered Engineering program.

Cristina DeMeo 
Cristina DeMeo will attend Harvard University and plans to become a doctor.

Tyler Munter 
Tyler Munter will attend Northeastern University and plans to pursue a career in Engineering.

Cole Zeh
Cole Zeh will attend Colgate University with a premedical path and plans to become a surgeon.

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Last Year of Academic Recognition

Saratoga Springs High School has also announced that beginning with the Class of 2022, they will no longer be reporting the top students of the class, including a valedictorian and a salutatorian. They will start using only an unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA).

This decision was made by the Building Leadership Team (BLT), which is comprised of  members in the school district: students, teachers, parents, school counselors, support staff, and building administration. The BLT presented this to the Board of Education in July 2019, and it was communicated to families the following month. The team used research from college admissions counselors, national organizations, the SSHS Graduation Committee, and other local high schools to form their decision. Student Council received input and feedback from the student body. 

Student Council received input that if a weighted GPA is removed, so should the top rank, as the top rank creates division, anxiety and separation among peers.

The switch to use only the unweighted GPA was made because the BLT believes that the dual GPA system is not only confusing, but inconsistent when used to determine scholarships, merit awards, and rank. Therefore, they will no longer be reporting class rank on a student’s transcript. 

The BLT believes that their decision will impact the school culture by fostering an environment in which students will place more importance on learning and personalizing their schedules. With the weighted GPA system, students are more likely to prioritize their grades over their interests, passions, and academically challenging themselves. College admissions counselors have reported they like to see students taking courses that are challenging, yet appropriate, for their
academic interests. 

SARATOGA COUNTY — Residents of Saratoga County who wish to pursue a degree or career in the Agriculture industry will now have an opportunity to apply for a $2,000 scholarship. The Saratoga County Sundae on the Farm Agricultural Scholarship is currently accepting applications for the 2021 award. The scholarship is available to a person(s) who resides within Saratoga County and is successfully attending and pursuing an agricultural degree at a college or university and/or pursuing an agricultural career to seek employment in the agricultural industry entering their sophomore year of any academic year beyond, including graduate studies. Previous recipients have included students attending establishments such as Cornell University, Murray State University, and SUNY Cobleskill while studying such subjects as animal science, agricultural education, and agricultural business.

Visit ccesaratoga.org/agriculture for full details, including requirements, and an application. Submissions MUST include a 500-word (or less) essay describing interest and experience in agriculture, how educational and career goals relate to the field of agriculture, and agricultural volunteer experiences. Bonus points for anyone who has volunteered for Sundae on the Farm. All applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2021 for consideration and mailed to CCE Saratoga – Ag Promotion Committee, 50 West High St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. 

This scholarship is made possible by all those who volunteer, support, and contribute each year to Saratoga County’s Sundae on the Farm.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Shops honored SUNY Empire State College for their 50th anniversary with a dedicated ice cream flavor. This flavor will be known as SUNY Empire Blue Ha-Ha, originally known as Brew Ha-Ha. The flavor is affectionately named after the SUNY Empire school mascot, Blue.

SUNY Empire Blue Ha-Ha is a Richer Roast coffee ice cream with espresso bean flavored chocolate flakes and will be available at the cone counter at all Saratoga Springs Stewart’s Shops through Sunday, August 29.

Stewart’s Shops president, Gary Dake says, “We believe in the power of education and congratulate SUNY Empire on 50 years of providing educational opportunities to students of all ages and backgrounds.”

Stewart’s Shops and SUNY Empire have partnered for years to offer student scholarships through the SUNY Empire Foundation. Graduates are encouraged to apply for a Stewart’s Shops $1000 scholarship. Applications are being accepted online through July 31. For more information please go online to: www.esc.edu/stewartsshops.

For more information on SUNY Empire visit www.esc.edu.

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, Chris never ceases to amaze us. We believe his eloquence, profoundness, and ability to express himself are his true Super Powers. All of us encourage him to continue harnessing his creative language because it is exceedingly impressive! Special thanks to Sandy Izzo, who is a patient, dedicated mentor to Chris. 

– Saratoga Bridges 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nine local WSWHE BOCES CTE/ECCA students have earned the title of New York State SkillsUSA Champion.

The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) division, which includes the Early College Career Academy (ECCA), participated in the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Championships from April 12 to April 22. The championships were conducted virtually, with some competitions being recorded and some being livestreamed with judges from across New York State. There were 600 students from New York State who competed, and nine local students were declared champions in their respective fields. 

Brendan Lee, a senior from Salem in the Construction Trades program, won first place in Carpentry. The contest required him to frame walls using wood studs; cut and install common, hip, and jack rafters; stair stringer and install drywall, siding, sheathing, baseboard molding, and window trim. He was assessed on accuracy, workmanship, the ability to read and interpret blueprints, and the proper use of tools and equipment. 

Brandon Coulter, a junior from Queensbury in the ECCA IT Essentials Program, won first place in Job Interview. The Job Interview contest was evaluated in three parts: resume, completion of an employment application, and an interview with industry professionals. 

Tyler Brooks, a junior from Whitehall in the ECCA IT Essentials Program, won first place in Job Skill Demonstration Open (team of two); his teammate, Mathew Richard, is a junior from Lake George. The contest assesses each contestant’s ability to demonstrate and explain an entry level technical skill used either in the occupational area for which he or she is training or outside the training area. 

Patrick Fayette, a senior from Queensbury in the Culinary Arts Program, won first place in Restaurant Service. The Restaurant Service competition focuses on guest service/relations in the dining room and “front of the house” skills of guest hospitality and food and beverage services.

A team of four seniors from the ECCA Business Program – Justin Garfolo (Saratoga Springs), Elizabeth Radyn (Lake George), Aeryn Brewer (Corinth), and Ella Crossman (Glens Falls) – won first place in Entrepreneurship. The team was evaluated on their success to formulate a business plan, present a business presentation, and respond to changes that may occur during operation. They submitted a resume, business plan, and did an oral presentation. 

In addition, twenty local students earned second and third place at the state competition. In terms of medals won at the State Championships, WSWHE BOCES is one of the top New York schools. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic School will host Career Day 2021, and school alumni will return virtually to their alma mater for the event. 

Career Day 2021 will take place on Friday, April 23 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Saratoga Central Catholic School, 247 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. The morning will include presentations by alumni sharing the career paths they chose since their high school experience at SCC. Alumni will also highlight what they enjoy about their professions. Students in grades 9-12 will pre-select the presentations they are interested in attending. The event is virtual this year so that students in school, as well as students who are attending classes remotely, can both participate. 

This year’s list of over 20 participating alumni includes SCC graduates who have pursued careers in dentistry, law, nursing, voice acting, military service, writing, accounting, software engineering, culinary arts, theater, professional sports, education, funeral direction, social media/digital marketing, medicine, law enforcement, building/carpentry, TV and film production. The 2021 selection of presenters come from graduation years that span 1968-2013. Some of the participating alumni live locally, while others live as far away as California. 

For more information about Career Day 2021, call 518-365-3459.