‘Impossible for kids of color to be safe’

The Werkes has been applying a giant stethoscope to the hive at 125 S. Webster St., in the beating heart of progressive Madison WI. The hulking General Executive Facility #3 houses  the WI Department of Public Instruction.

DPI teaches, practices and promulgates critical race theory throughout the 422 school districts in Wisconsin. We offered a sampling of one course in our last thrilling episode. Get your mind right on the institutionally racist nature of this U.S.A. or hit the road.

Befitting doctrinaire CRT, DPI worker bees are told what to think, direct from the boss lady herself. That would be Jill Underly, PhD, superintendent of public instruction. On the day the Kenosha jury unanimously found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty. Superintendent Underly issued her manifesto:

“I am in disbelief in the outcome,” she told her 630 employees. “Like I know many of you are as well.” Or you had better pretend so.

“This case is a blatant example of the injustice,” Underly continues, “that we see in our communities, in our laws and policies, in our policing, and in our judicial system.”

Her all-employee e-mail then plays the race card, even though Rittenhouse and his three assailants were white. Clearly, Wisconsin’s superintendent of public instruction sides with sexual predator Joseph Rosenbaum, domestic abuser Anthony Huber, and communist agitator Gaige Grosskreutz.

“We know there are systems in place that make it impossible for adults and kids of color in our communities to be safe — we need to continue to use our collective power to correct that.”

Would that just one employee had typed “B.S.” and then hit “Reply All.”

To the fainting couch!

Jill Underly’s all-employee e-mail:

From: Underly, Jill K. DPI
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2021 2:34 PM
To: DPI DL All Staff
Subject: A Message from State Superintendent Jill Underly

I had another message crafted for you, but that seemed inappropriate considering the Kyle Rittenhouse decision. I will be honest; I don’t know what to say. I am in disbelief in the outcome, like I know many of you are as well. At the same time, this is not surprising, given the polarized racial climate and the impact of several recent events — perpetuating a lack of value and safety across our systems….

We know there are systems in place that make it impossible for adults and kids of color in our communities to be safe – we need to continue to use our collective power to correct that. This case is a blatant example of the injustice that we see in our communities, in our laws and policies, in our policing, and in our judicial system. …

Moments like this can be jarring, and sadly, a reminder of the disparity that our employees and our children from marginalized communities experience daily. If you need any support or services, please don’t hesitate to use the agency’s Employee Assistance Program for guidance. …

That kind of institutional provocation is why a 17-year-old girl would attack an occupied police car downtown Tuesday 12-07-21. “The officer said the teen voiced her dislike for police as she approached the vehicle armed with a metal rod. The teen struck the squad car several times before trying to open the driver’s door.” (More here.)

Blaska’s Bottom Line: Sorry to say that electing Becky Kleefisch next fall won’t uproot Dr. Underly. This major state government agency uniquely is not represented at the governor’s cabinet table. We’re stuck with Underly until April 2025 because her position is elected in the supposedly non-partisan Spring election, when voter participation is poor.

Who should replace Underly?