CRT and Education
Critical Race Theory has been around since the mid-1970s when it emerged from the writings of Derrick Bell, Kimberle Crenshaw, Cheryl Harris, and others. It is a movement in the legal and academic fields that seeks to examine the interconnection of cultural and other sociological systems with gender and race and how these systems oppress minorities and preserve the privilege of whites. On the CRT Wikipedia page, it states that the theory is “loosely unified by two common themes: first, that white supremacy (societal racism) exists and maintains power through the law and second, that transforming the relationship between law and racial power, and also achieving racial emancipation and anti-subordination more broadly, are possible.”
Those who support this theory look for racism in any relationship between people of different ethnic groups. In an article supporting CRT, Education Week stated that Critical race theory, “presupposes that racism is embedded within society and institutions….” Within the scope of this theory is the concept that whiteness is the ultimate property and that it conveys value and privilege to those born with it. Also, encapsulated within this theory is the idea that whites do not help blacks out of a sense of justice or fairness, but only to avoid confronting their own racism, to avoid criticism, or to make themselves look good.
Many critics of CRT have noted that it rejects concepts of truth, evidence, or facts as constructs of a racist society and that it elevates storytelling to a position over reason.
The CRT Wikipedia page quotes Will Oremus as saying, CRT is “about righting wrongs, not just questing after knowledge....” Beyond that, CRT opposes societies based on individual freedom because they view such societies as complicit in systems of racism and oppression. I have not been able to discover what they would replace our current government with but, I don’t think I want to live in there world.
I could continue but, the point has been made, Critical Race Theory is anti-freedom, anti-science, and deeply racist. President Trump barred the Department of Education from using this radical ideology but, President Biden revoked that policy.
Why are they teaching this in American schools?
That is one of the questions asked by the national organization Parents Defending Education. This grassroots group works to turn our schools away from activists currently working from within to impose harmful agendas such as Critical Race Theory. “Through network and coalition building, investigative reporting, litigation, and engagement on local, state, and national policies,” they are fighting to promote and restore a healthy public education system in America.
Another organization engaged in this fight is Parents Against Critical Theory. This grassroots parent organization is based in Loudon County Maryland. Perhaps more than ever, parents need to be aware and involved in the schools their children attend.
Have you had an encounter with supporters of Critical Race Theory? Let me know in the comments section below.
