Critical Race Theory

 Critical Race Theory has also come under attack from Conservative states and communities. Critical Race Theory is an academic and legal framework that acknowledges the fact that America was built on the foundation of racism, and still maintains these racist structures today. Many states are banning Critical Race Theory from their curriculum in order to protect the ideology that America is the "land of the free," where "everyone is created equal." Conservatives claim that Critical Race Theory only "separates the human race," and further divides individuals, rather than bring them together. Additionally, many conservatives argue that teaching Critical Race Theory promotes "reverse racism," meaning that white people are being unfairly discriminated against because of their race. However, what CRT is intended to hold white society accountable for their participation in the oppression of the Black community.

Although some educators have seen minimal changes in their schools, several have been creating policies that could get their teaching licenses taken away if they teach America's racist history in the classroom. Consequently, many educators have become fearful to teach a historically accurate curriculum. According to the Washington Post, "New Hampshire law bars teaching that people of one age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, family status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin are inherently superior or inferior to people of another." However, the law does not have a clear definition of what it means to be "inherently" superior or inferior. Thus, educators are fearful to teach any material that implies that Black folks are discriminated against the U.S. This is problematic because teachers would need to remove books that educate students on Blackness and racial identity from their classrooms. This lack of representation is extremely harmful to Black students, especially for those who attend predominantly white schools.

Works Cited

Meckler, Laura, and Hannah Natanson. “New Critical Race Theory Laws Have Teachers Scared, Confused and Self-Censoring.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 15 Feb. 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/02/14/critical-race-theory-teachers-fear-laws/.