I believe critical race theory should be applied more widely. African Americans have suffered through slavery, greater prejudice and discrimination, and inexcusable police brutality. They face a much tougher battle.

However, a lot of people historically have suffered racism, prejudice and discrimination. If you’re Native American, disabled, fat, a woman, gay or poor, you realize this.

When I was growing up in Vandergrift, the Italians in Vandergrift Heights and the Eastern Europeans in East Vandergrift were discriminated against by the WASPs downtown. They controlled key jobs in the steel mill and all the positions in local government and on the school board. It wasn’t until the 1950s that an “ethnic” could be in the National Honor Society at Vandergrift High School, I was told.

My grandparents, who came from Italy and Poland, suffered discrimination (having your name “Americanized” at Ellis Island was institutionalized racism). I believe I experienced “reverse discrimination” when I was told I’d done a good job as a yearlong substitute at Gateway High School and would be hired, but then a Black recent college graduate got the job.

The current furor over critical race theory in schools is a lightning-rod issue. If it is used in schools, it must include all marginalized groups.

Until there is some form of national sensitivity training for all people, problems will fester.

Tom Tarosky

West Leechburg

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