As critical race theory—the examination of institutions through a lens of racism and inequality—becomes a nationwide political flashpoint, ongoing efforts by schools to promote inclusivity, in part, by offering ethnic studies courses have come under fire. Now, county education officials are attempting to separate fact from fiction by hosting discussions to update the public on what is and isn’t being taught in local classrooms. In a virtual colloquium hosted by the Orange County Department of Education, scholars and educators shed light on the origins of a recently approved statewide model curriculum for teaching ethnic studies in public schools. Superintendent Al Mijares, who moderated the discussion, explained the county office received several requests from local school district officials for the department to provide an overview of the state model curriculum and clear up misconceptions about critical race theory being taught to students.