This letter is in regard to the perspective piece on critical race theory (CRT) in the Sunday paper, "Critical race theory is a needed, overdue perspective," (June 27). Santayana famously wrote “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Isn’t that why we learn history in the first place?

However, the historical facts must be accurate and complete. Maura Casey presented a few out of the many examples where US policies contributed to the wealth and opportunity gap between white and non-white America. Lance Izumi on the other hand, chose to focus on one of the biggest lies of the political right: That all Americans have equal opportunity to succeed if they just work hard enough. CRT tries to show why this is a fallacy for many people of color. Lies, ignorance and fear are key components of Republican attempts to retain power in an increasingly progressive majority population.

Michael DeNinno

Gales Ferry