Critical Race Theory (CRT), colonialism, racism, and slavery—these concepts have sparked intense debate among a small yet vocal group of parents, school board members, and community members. The reality is that CRT has been an academic framework for decades, specifically over the last forty years.
As reported by Education Week, CRT posits that “race is a social construct, and racism is not merely the result of individual bias or prejudice, but is also embedded in legal systems and policies.” Despite what some might suggest, this perspective doesn’t imply that all individuals of a particular race harbor inherent racism or that it promotes disdain for the nation. Instead, it encourages educators to teach fundamental principles of humanity. If you’re still reading, you likely aren’t bothered by discussions around equity and understanding. If you are, you might want to stop here to avoid unnecessary frustration.
We recently spoke with Alex, a high school AP History teacher from the Midwest with seven years of experience, who offered insights into the uproar surrounding CRT. While his school district hasn’t issued any formal guidelines, he and his colleagues prioritize understanding and empathy, even when the topics can be challenging.
“We’ve always aimed to incorporate equity and awareness of diverse experiences,” Alex shared. “Unfortunately, many of these experiences stem from a system that wasn’t designed with those values in mind. CRT is often treated as a controversial topic, but it’s primarily a theoretical framework discussed in graduate courses. As a high school teacher, I merely introduce my students to the term since it may appear in college-level exams.”
Contrary to popular fear, CRT is not being taught in K-12 schools across the country. Nevertheless, the mere mention of it has caused significant concern among parents and community members. Alex recounted an incident where he received a call from a worried community member questioning whether the school was focusing solely on the 1619 Project instead of crucial historical dates like 1776 and 1787. He assured the caller that a well-rounded history curriculum includes those dates alongside other significant milestones.
For context, some conservative groups label the 1619 Project as a divisive and distorted narrative that prompts children to despise their country. However, the project is aimed at reframing U.S. history by centering the legacy of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans. Alex elaborated, “Take Thomas Jefferson, for instance. While he was a founding father and president, he was also a slave owner. Acknowledging this complexity doesn’t negate his contributions; it simply recognizes that they came from a perspective of privilege.”
Examining history through a critical lens doesn’t equate to hating America; it’s about fostering education. Unfortunately, some lawmakers have resorted to misleading language that discourages teachers from discussing CRT-related topics and, in some cases, have even made it illegal to mention CRT in classrooms. Teachers have been advised that in certain states, they cannot teach or even reference CRT, leading to absurd situations where students can record their teachers for potential disciplinary actions.
Despite these challenges, Alex remains committed to providing a comprehensive education to his students, even when the subject matter is uncomfortable. “I understand the sensitivity around these topics. I grew up in a diverse environment, and these discussions have always been part of my life. My goal is for students and their families to realize that acknowledging our history doesn’t diminish our accomplishments.”
So, it’s time to relax and recognize that educational efforts aimed at fostering critical thinking and empathy are not an attempt to corrupt the next generation. Allow educators to do what they do best—teach students to think critically and learn the truth.
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Summary:
Critical Race Theory (CRT) is often misunderstood and misrepresented as a tool to incite hatred for America. In reality, it is an academic framework that seeks to explore the complexities of race and racism in society. Teachers like Alex prioritize educating students about these important issues, aiming to foster understanding and empathy. Despite pushback from some lawmakers, the goal remains to provide a well-rounded education that encourages critical thinking.