Midlands school district reaches settlement with political group over critical race theory in curriculum

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Lexington County School District One has reached a settlement with the South Carolina Freedom Caucus in the lawsuit alleging Critical Race Theory was illegally being taught in the district.

Officials with the school district said an internal review of the EL Education curriculum was initiated to make sure SC Proviso 1.105 (no money given to schools and school districts can be used to teach concepts that show “an individual, by virtue of his race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously” and “an individual should feel guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress on account of his race or sex.”) was being followed.

The lawsuit ensued in November when the members of the Freedom Caucus claimed Lexington County School District One was teaching concepts associated with critical race theory, violating a temporary state law that prohibits state dollars from being used to teach those concepts in schools.

The S.C. Freedom Caucus also alleged the district was doing it through its partnership with the nonprofit EL Education.

The internal review did not reveal the curriculum violated state law according to the district administration, Lexington One pursued a settlement to give students the full attention they deserve.

“Contesting this lawsuit would have redirected district resources, including employees’ time and attention, as well as taxpayers’ dollars, away from our primary focus,” said Dr. Gerrita Postlewait, superintendent of Lexington One.

“We owed it to our entire community to find a solution that did not involve a lengthy and costly legal battle and to affirm that our district is, in fact, in compliance with all state laws. We are proud of the high-quality public education Lexington One educators provide, and we want to put this matter behind us so that schools may receive the benefit of our full support " added Dr. Postlewait.

The agreement between the two entities enables the district to refocus all resources toward supporting best practices in teaching and learning that cultivate high levels of student engagement supported by family and community participation.

The S.C. Freedom Caucus later responded to the settlement.

Officials with the S.C. Freedom Caucus said in the settlement the district will end all agreements with EL Education and fully comply with all South Carolina laws regarding instruction and training for students, teachers, and other staff.

“The terms of this settlement agreement show Lexington School District One was caught red handed peddling the Left’s pernicious, racist nonsense,” said SCFC Vice Chairman RJ May, “This is a win for the Freedom Caucus, for parents, but most importantly, this is a win for students who will no longer be subjected to radical, liberal indoctrination by the District.”

The settlement agreement also requires the district to fully comply with all South Carolina laws regarding instruction and training for students, teachers, and other staff.

Officials said the S.C. Freedom Caucus remains in an ongoing lawsuit with the Charleston County School District over a similar allegation.

According to the school district, the settlement was voluntary and not ordered by the court.

You can find a copy of the final settlement agreement below:

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