Critical race theory (CRT) has been a hot topic in the news lately as many states move to ban the educational concept, but what exactly is critical race theory and what role does it play in our schools? Today we’re clarifying the concept and exploring its academic implications.
What is critical race theory?
CRT is an academic concept developed in the 1970s by legal scholars Derrick Bell, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and Richard Delgado. It is based on the idea that racism is not just the product of individual bias or prejudice, but also embedded in legal systems and policies. It explores how socially constructed racism was built upon slavery in the US, and how the legacies of our racist past continue to influence the oppression of people of color today.
Some examples of topics that may be included in CRT lessons include how in the 1930s, government officials designated Black neighborhoods as financially risky, denying Black Americans mortgage loans and perpetuating generational poverty. Another more contemporary example is how single-family zoning continues to prevent the construction of affordable housing in primarily white neighborhoods, excluding families of color from those communities.
CRT in the classroom
Many critics of CRT claim that it creates an unnecessary sense of division among students, but research has shown that teaching about topics like racially segregated schools, the underfunding of majority-Black and Latino school districts, disproportionate disciplining of Black students, barriers to gifted programs, and selective-admission high schools actually creates more empathetic and culturally-aware students.
Research indicates that by age three, many children have already formed negative perceptions of some racial groups. Racism is still deeply entrenched, whether intentionally or subconsciously, in American institutions and mindsets. As many scholars have pointed out, if children of color are old enough to experience racism, white children are old enough to learn about it.
Designing curriculums
While CRT is important for acknowledging the role that race plays in American society, these curricula must also be designed thoughtfully to offer the most benefits to students. This means designing lessons with a full historic picture of racism around the world, as well as encouraging children to challenge the racial bias they see in their own experiences.
Teachers looking to implement CRT theories into their lessons should explore studies on the topic and guides for introducing it into teaching. Consulting with education experts of color is another way to ensure that your CRT curriculum is having its intended impact. Critical Race Theory: An introduction by Jean Stefancic and Richard Delgado and White Fragility: Why is it so hard for white people to talk about racism by Robin DiAngelo are both great books to start with to learn more. The New York Times’ 1619 Project is another good resource.
CRT bans have been implemented or proposed in Tennessee, Idaho, Ohio, Missouri, and more, but ignoring racism is no way to make it go away, especially in our schools. As Michigan State University education professor Dorinda Carter Andrews writes, “Underlying [CRT] is the premise that racism is endemic to American society and that white supremacist ideas and practices should be dismantled.”
Additional resources: Britannica – Critical race theory
