Northam Gives Ibram X. Kendi Keynote Speech as McAuliffe Dismisses CRT Concerns

Ibram X. Kendi, founder of the “anti-racism” movement, which critics say applies critical race theory, will deliver a “keynote plenary” speech at the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference. News of the speech comes as Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe, whom Gov. Ralph Northam has endorsed, has dismissed concerns about critical race theory as a “racist dog whistle.”

The Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference (VAGHC) will take place on Nov. 10-12, just over a week after the governor’s race ends. Kendi will deliver the keynote speech at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, according to the schedule.

McAuliffe, who faces a stiff election challenge from Republican Glenn Youngkin, has repeatedly dismissed parents’ concerns about CRT.

“Critical race theory is not taught in Virginia. Critical race theory has never been taught in Virginia. This is a racist dog whistle, and I hate it,” he told CBS News in a recent interview. {snip}

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Last year, Fairfax County Schools paid Kendi $20,000 to speak to the administration and school leaders about racism for about an hour. Parents Defending Education, an organization of parents that aims to “reclaim our schools from activists imposing harmful agendas,” published a contract showing that Loudoun County Schools paid more than $300,000 to The Equity Collaborative for “training.” The collaborative’s training materials begin with an “Intro to Critical Race Theory.”

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