The teaching of America’s racial history is dividing voters as state governments and federal judges weigh in on what children should be taught about "critical race theory" (CRT).
CRT is an academic framework that examines how race and racism intersect with legal, cultural, and social systems. Originating in the 1970s and 1980s in American legal studies, CRT challenges the idea that racism is merely the product of individual bias or prejudice. Instead, it posits that racism is built into laws, policies, and institutions that continue racism even when intended to prevent it.
CRT is primarily taught in higher education, such as law, sociology, and ethnic studies, but not typically part of the standard K-12 curriculum. However, debates over CRT have recently sparked political and public discussion.
Some K-12 schools include lessons on systemic racism, history of discrimination, and equity in their social studies or history curricula. Critics of CRT often claim that these lessons represent CRT itself, although most public school lessons are not explicitly derived from CRT.
The age at which children learn about related topics, such as racism and civil rights, depends on the district and state. Typically, elementary school (ages 6-11) introduces topics like fairness, diversity, and historical events such as slavery and civil rights in simplified ways. Middle school and high school (ages 11-18) delve deeper into the history of racism, inequality, and social justice but generally do not study CRT as an academic framework.
Stanford law professor Ralph Richard Banks argues that the issue is a disagreement over how to approach the subject of the racial history of the US, with liberals seeing it as a way of understanding how American racism has shaped public policy and conservatives viewing it as a divisive discourse aimed at shaming white Americans for past atrocities.
Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order banning the teaching of critical race theory in public schools, making the Pelican State the 18th to limit or ban the subject. Public school teachers and civil rights attorneys are responding, with some calling the bans misguided and political stunts.
A 2023 poll by the Black Education Research Center at Columbia University found that 85% of respondents agreed that public school students should learn about the history of racism and slavery in the United States and its impact on events today. However, consensus evaporates when it comes to the government’s role in righting past wrongs.
The debate has also sparked fear among educators, with Banks stating that teachers may be afraid to teach about difficult topics due to unclear laws and ambiguity, leading to an impoverished education.
Sources: VOA, OpenAI.
Conclusion
The debate over critical race theory in American education continues to divide voters and sparks controversy. While some view CRT as an essential part of understanding the country’s racial history and its ongoing impact, others see it as a divisive and inflammatory topic. As the conversation continues, it is essential for educators, policymakers, and the public to engage in a nuanced and informed discussion about the role of race and racism in American history and society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is critical race theory?
Critical race theory is an academic framework that examines how race and racism intersect with legal, cultural, and social systems.
Is CRT taught in K-12 schools?
CRT is typically not taught in K-12 schools, but some schools may include lessons on systemic racism, history of discrimination, and equity as part of their social studies or history curricula.
What is the controversy surrounding CRT?
The controversy surrounds the debate over how to approach the subject of the racial history of the US, with some viewing it as a way of understanding how American racism has shaped public policy and others viewing it as a divisive and inflammatory topic.
What do educators say about the teaching of CRT?
Some educators argue that the bans on CRT are misguided and political stunts, while others express fear about teaching about difficult topics due to unclear laws and ambiguity.
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