Deconstructing Misconceptions About Critical Race Theory

Fifty years later, after its foundation, Critical Race Theory (CRT) has reached the center of political and academic discourse. Today, seven states have taken drastic steps to ban K-12 curriculums that include topics and books purportedly related to CRT, and numerous states currently have restrictions under review. Southern states have led the crusade against CRT— a theory that offers a critical lens on the institutional and structural impacts of racism. Supporters of CRT argue that the opposition towards CRT is an attempt to revise American history and diminish the pernicious role of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and systemic racism. They further assert that corrupting the true ethos of CRT is an attempt to absolve the individuals and systems of assuming responsibility and ameliorating the consequential effects of white supremacy.

Regardless of the debate over CRT, acknowledging historical and present injustices is a significant step to achieving justice and fulfilling the constitutional guarantees for African Americans and other marginalized groups.

What is Critical Theory?

Critical Race Theory (CRT) “is an academic and legal framework that denotes that systemic racism is part of American society—from education and housing to employment and healthcare” (Fernandez, 2023). The theory further recognizes that racism is more than the result of individual bias and prejudice. It is embedded in laws, policies, and institutions that uphold and reproduce racial inequalities (Fernandez, 2023). CRT originated in the 1970s with legal scholars, lawyers, and activists such as Derrick Bell, Alan Freeman, and Richard Delgado at the forefront of developing the academic discipline (Delgado & Stefancic, 2012). It employs theories from various fields, including critical legal studies and radical feminism. CRT is influenced by scholars that have contributed significantly to the theoretical underpinnings of power, domination, and inequality, such as Antonio Gramsci, Michel Foucault, and W.E.B. Du Bois. Moreover, it critiques social constructs such as race and institutions that perpetuate a rigid caste system in which minorities are often placed in the bottom tiers.

THE CORE TENANTS OF CRT OFTEN INCLUDE (GEORGE, 2011):

Race is socially constructed and is not connected to biological differences in features such as intellectual aptitude.

Racism is pervasive throughout society and institutions. The belief that racist acts are a mere deviation from the norm is erroneous when considering the material, political, and social inequities between the white population and minorities.

Inequality is directly linked to systemic racism and structures that accord privileges to the dominant group.

Acts of racism should be chronicled through a narrative-driven approach in detailing the everyday lived experiences of people of color to highlight the impacts of racism on individual outcomes.

CRT provides a framework to analyze and understand the unequal outcomes related to health, education, wealth, and other salient issues, as not only individual acts but embedded in American structures through the legacy of institutional and structural racism.

Why are States opposing CRT?

According to the World Population Review (2023), Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have banned the teachings of CRT in K-12 curriculums, and numerous states are considering restrictions and bans of their own. However, CRT remains primarily taught in the halls of universities and, more specifically, in law schools.

Florida has become a leading state in eliminating CRT by restricting classroom teachings, diversity trainings, and censoring dialogue. On April 22, 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Individual Freedom Act , commonly known as the Stop W.O.K.E. Act. The act seeks to ban schools and businesses from holding diversity trainings or promoting subjects that can make anyone feel guilt or anguish due to race or gender (The Florida Senate, 2022). On March 16, 2023, the U.S. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals found