WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ABOUT CRITICAL RACE THEORY?
Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an academic movement, which seeks to link racism, race, and power. It was introduced by Derrick Bell and Kimberlé Crenshaw of Harvard University in 1989. The key assertion of Critical Race Theory’s is that racism is “systemic” and “structural,” and it is embedded within all American systems and culture.
The UCLA School of Public Affairs defines Critical Race Theory as the following:
“Critical Race Theory (CRT) recognizes that racism is engrained in the fabric and system of the American society. The individual racist need not exist to note that institutional racism is pervasive in the dominant culture. This is the analytical lens that CRT uses in examining existing power structures. CRT identifies that these power structures are based on white privilege and white supremacy, which perpetuates the marginalization of people of color. CRT also rejects the traditions of liberalism and meritocracy. Legal discourse says that the law is neutral and colorblind, however, CRT challenges this legal “truth” by examining liberalism and meritocracy as a vehicle for self-interest, power, and privilege.”
Why is it important to understand Critical Race Theory?
Although once a theory taught primarily in graduate schools, CRT has gained momentum in nearly every aspect of our lives from news reports, to workplaces, and now into public education. The New York Times explains that, “Critical race theorists reject the philosophy of color blindness. Proponents of this movement claim there are stark racial disparities that have persisted in the United States despite decades of civil rights reforms, and that racist hierarchies are enforced, even among people with good intentions.”
The only proposed solution is to dismantle the entire system. This has become a popular philosophy among professionals in education, which if implemented, will have a significant impact on our children.
When CRT argues that racism is entrenched into all systems in American Society, we should expect that solutions to correct the “racist system” are already in motion.
What impact does CRT have on students?
Dismantling the education system involves eliminating standards of achievement. This means that when students under-perform or over-perform in the public education system, it is due to “structural racism”. It is no longer about the core learning standards and skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic, follow through, practice, studying, and meeting deadlines. CRT involves creating “equity,” which is not to be confused with “equality”.
Do we want to deprive students of classical literature, philosophy or engineering in the name of “equity”?
In order to achieve “equity,” CRT asserts that educational standards must be reduced to the lowest common denominator. Any opportunity for advanced study would create an unequal outcome. K-12 Public Education was widely accepted on the premise that it would be the great equalizer for opportunity. It is essential to maintain academic integrity.