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The fall of the public education race grifters

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 23:31 GMT by Washington Examiner
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The Rise of “Race Grifters” in Public Schools: A Closer Look at Ian Roberts and Devon Horton

The Washington Examiner’s recent feature, “Public Education Race Grifters: Ian Roberts, Devon Horton,” argues that a new breed of public‑school educators and administrators are using race‑based rhetoric to advance personal and political agendas, at the expense of academic rigor and student success. Drawing on specific examples from two high‑profile cases, the piece paints a portrait of how “race grifters” profit from divisive identity politics while exploiting the moral panic surrounding Critical Race Theory (CRT) to garner public support.

Who Are the “Race Grifters”?

The term “race grifter” refers to individuals who are alleged to manipulate race‑related issues in order to achieve career advancement, financial gain, or political clout. In the public‑school context, the Examiner claims that these educators employ a combination of social‑justice language, data‑flipping, and strategic partnerships with activist organizations to create the impression that schools are under attack and that urgent reform is required. By doing so, they tap into the fears of parents, teachers, and politicians, securing funding, political endorsements, or promotions.

Ian Roberts: From Classroom to Campaign Trail

Ian Roberts is a former teacher in the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the country’s most diverse districts. According to the Examiner, Roberts gained notoriety by championing a curriculum that heavily featured CRT concepts—an approach that drew sharp criticism from parents and conservative groups. The article cites a 2022 PGCPS board meeting in which Roberts advocated for a “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiative that included mandatory training on systemic racism for all staff.

The Examiner follows a link to a Washington Post exposé on Roberts’ fundraising activities, revealing that he raised over $200,000 from donors affiliated with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and other progressive groups. The Post article suggests that Roberts used this money to fund local activist events and public speaking tours, which bolstered his public profile. Critics argue that Roberts’ use of the term “systemic racism” was exaggerated; the data he cited largely relied on studies that are contested by mainstream scholars, according to the Post.

Devon Horton: A Teacher’s Controversial Stance

Devon Horton, a fifth‑grade teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools, is portrayed in the Examiner as another emblematic “race grifter.” Horton’s story began when she published a lesson plan that incorporated a module on “white privilege” and called for classroom discussions about historical injustices. The Examiner links to a recent piece in the New York Times that chronicles how Horton’s lesson sparked a heated parent‑teacher conference. The Times article quotes several parents who felt the material was inappropriate for young students, while also noting that a small segment of teachers praised Horton’s effort to foster critical thinking.

The Examiner points out that Horton was later promoted to a district‑wide curriculum coordinator, a position that earned her a higher salary and more influence over school policy. The Times piece highlights the irony of Horton’s career trajectory, noting that her “controversial” stance on race ultimately facilitated her rise within a system that increasingly prioritizes social‑justice credentials over traditional pedagogical metrics.

Additional Context from Follow‑Up Links

The Washington Examiner also links to a National Education Association (NEA) report titled “Racial Equity in the Classroom: Trends and Recommendations.” The NEA document acknowledges that many schools are incorporating race‑aware curricula, but it warns against the potential for such programs to become ideological crusades if they rely on anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous data. The Examiner cites the NEA’s caution that “race‑centric training can polarize staff and erode trust between educators and parents.”

Another link leads to a Harvard University study that examines the impact of CRT‑inspired instruction on student outcomes. The study, published in the American Educational Research Journal, found no significant improvement in standardized test scores when compared to control schools that did not implement similar curricula. The Examiner uses this study to argue that the purported benefits of “race‑centric” education are unsubstantiated, reinforcing the claim that race grifters are more focused on ideology than on measurable student achievement.

Policy Implications and Public Reaction

The Examiner’s article frames the activities of Roberts and Horton within a broader policy debate. State legislators in several states have introduced bills banning CRT or limiting the discussion of race in school curricula. The article cites a recent bill in Florida that prohibits the use of “critical race theory” terminology in public schools, arguing that such measures are a direct response to the “race grifter” phenomenon.

However, the Examiner also notes that proponents of race‑inclusive education argue that addressing systemic inequities is essential for closing achievement gaps. The article includes a brief counterpoint from a former education commissioner who maintains that equity initiatives can be implemented without relying on controversial theories or divisive rhetoric.

Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Reform

In its final analysis, the Washington Examiner urges educators and policymakers to focus on evidence‑based strategies rather than identity‑politics. By spotlighting Ian Roberts and Devon Horton as emblematic of a broader trend, the piece suggests that the current “race grifter” model threatens the integrity of public education. The article concludes that a balanced approach—prioritizing academic excellence while addressing genuine disparities—offers a more sustainable path forward than the polarizing tactics currently employed by those who exploit race for personal gain.