Critical Race Theory

By: Stephanie Dodds

Introduction

Over the last year, Critical Race Theory (CRT) has become a heated discussion among board members, national politics, and corporations. The understanding of what CRT is and stands for is skewed among different people. There are CRT theorists and CRT critics involved in this debate. CRT theorists believe that the teaching of CRT will bring our society one step closer to equity and the end of racism. In contrast, the critics of CRT do not agree with the delivery of the theory itself and believe that it will only compound the problem even further. What will be the fate of CRT if there is no consensus on the theory?

“What is Critical Race Theory?”

Critical race theory was established in the 1980s by Derrick Bell and his colleagues while evaluating the faults in legal studies (Wilson, et al., 2020).
The theory is that the legal systems and policies in the United States are racially constructed.
CRT has recently became a controversial topic that has brought division between CRT theorists and critics as well as Democrats and Republicans.
Specifically, the debate has been about whether CRT should be taught in public schools for grade K-12.
Parents, teachers, and students have their own opinions on the subject; however, at the end of the day, it is simply an electoral decision.
An example of CRT is the term 'white privilege' which has had spurred mixed emotions and opinions.

"What is critical race theory and why are states banning it?"

This video dives into the confusion behind critical race theory and how it is controversial. The speaker touches base on how the theory is complex and requires more research than what meets the eye.

“Why is Critical Race Theory Controversial?”

When considering adding CRT in schools' curriculum, CRT supporters believe that, "it aims to create more equity" (Congressional Digest, 2021).
Conservative activist Candace Owens believes that when students learn CRT they are, "learning how to hate white people and their country" (Blackstone, 2021).
Much of the controversy behind CRT comes from the belief that CRT is "learning though the lens of race" (Blackstone, 2021).
The idea of "white privilege" is seen from opposite spectrums as well. CRT supporters believe that white people today have a moral responsibility for racism.
On the other hand, CRT critics argue that the white privilege ideology is discriminatory since it might conclude that, “all white people are racist and people of color are victims”(Congressional Digest, 2021).

“Should Critical Race Theory be taught in Public Schools?”

Since the purpose and definition of CRT is presented as a double sword, there has been major conflict between parents, teachers, and students.
State legislatures have had to recently create bills that ban CRT in the classroom due to the political disputes.
Recently, the Wall Street Journal published Letters to the Editor in regards to how CRT is indoctrinating children. In one letter, Berner (2021) questioned the effects that the theory will have on black children. He stated that black children will interpret the theory by thinking their white friends are racist, and that their country does not want them to be successful (Berner, 2021).
In another letter by Maye (2021), he states that his 14-year-old daughter brought up how she is privileged because of her skin color and that “the country is systematically racist” (Maye, 2021).

Personally, I believe that CRT should be taught to college students only and not K-12. I just think that children in K-12 are so impressionable and they already have so much to figure out. I believe that introducing the delicate topic of CRT into the classroom would just confuse them even more. As college students we are able to distinguish what is morally right and wrong and are able to make an actual difference in the ultimate goal of equity and social justice. This is done through protest and voting and children in grades K-12 are not able to vote yet nor should they be involved in protesting due to the safety hazards involved.

Reflection and Conclusion

As an up and coming teacher, CRT is a topic of relevance and importance. Despite the controversy and intricate definition of CRT, educators could all agree that using culturally relevant strategies of teaching is necessary for children of diverse backgrounds to feel safe and supported (Sawchuk, 2021). I believe that this can be accomplished without labeling non-colored students as “white privileged” while labeling students of color as victims. I also believe that all of the history in America should be taught without masking or overlooking any details. According to Aleman & Gaytan (2017), some students of color reject CRT in the curriculum because they are in denial of oppression and the reluctance to evaluate their own personal experiences. This finding concludes that not all students will benefit from CRT. Since there is not yet an agreeable standpoint on CRT across political parties, parents, students and teachers, I do not believe that CRT should be taught in grades K-12.

Pop Quiz!

1.When was CRT established?

A. 1980s

B. 1800s

C. 2021

D. Mid 1950s

2.How can you teach CRT in the classroom if it is banned in your state?

A. Ask the principal

B. Ask students parents if it is okay with them

C. Just teach it, who will know?

D. Vote to have CRT taught in your state

References

Aleman, S., & Gaytan, S. (2017). ‘It doesn’t speak to me’: Understanding student of color resistance to critical race pedagogy. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 30:2, 128-146. doi:10.1080/09518398.2016.1242801

Blackstone, A. (2021). Candace owens says ‘it’s time to pull our kids out of school’ because they are taught ‘how to hate white people’. Black Enterprise.

Congressional Digest (2021). Pros and cons of teaching critical race theory. Congressional Digest.

Sawchuk, S. (2021). What is critical race theory, and why is it under attack? Education Week.

The Wall Street Journal (2021). Indoctrinating kids in critical race theory. The Wall Street Journal.

Wilson, L. L. (2020). Critical race theory and african american fatherhood: Countering the mainstream narrative. Journal of African American males in education., Vol.12 (1), p.89.

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