Lake County Gazette

The College of Lake County board continues to delay its hiring of a diversity, equity and inclusion administrator as concerns by some that it could lead to the adoption of Critical Race Theory instruction continue to mount.

At least two dozen individuals have gone before the board thus far to make members aware of their feelings about CRT, defined as a school of thought that generally focuses on how power structures and institutions impact racial minorities.

“After some community members raised concerns that bringing aboard a diversity, equity and inclusion administrator would lead to the instruction of Critical Race Theory on campus, the College of Lake County board decided to postpone a decision on the proposed hiring,” the Illinois Community Colleges Trustees Association posted on Facebook.

To date, the teachings are not a part of Lake County College curriculum and school officials insist they have no plans of changing that anytime soon.

Thus far 17 board members favor moving ahead with the hiring of an administrator with Board Chair Amanda Howland insisting diversity doesn't equate only to race — it's also about religion, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation and wealth, she told the Lake County Gazette.

"You're trying to help people where they need help, but you're not teaching race and you're not teaching Critical Race Theory,” Howland said at a board meeting. "That just has no part in it," the Lake County Gazette reported.

College of Lake County President Lori Suddick also advocated for the planned hiring. She told the Lake County Gazette that it would only help deliver “an equitable high-quality education to the diverse communities it serves."

She later told the Daily Herald, "As an open access institution of higher education, CLC is responsible for ensuring it provides holistic student services, learning experiences, and co-curricular options that meet the needs of a very broad spectrum of students. Research shows the provision of these basic needs improves the likelihood of successful degree attainment."