Misconceptions: Understanding Critical Race Theory

the law unconstitutional, holding that the act violates the 14th amendment by imposing restrictions on educators that are vague and discriminatory. In addition to Florida’s legislation, in 2023 the state made efforts to alter the way Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies is taught by compelling the College Board to make topics such as Black Lives Matter, incarceration, and reparations optional (Hartolocollis & Fawcett, 2023). Comparably, Tennessee passed a law restricting teachings they deem sexist or racist. The law also promotes teaching American exceptionalism instead of racism as a fundamental aspect of American history and society. Teachers found guilty of violating the measures are subjected to fines or the revocation of their licenses (West, 2022).

Draconian laws of this magnitude are proliferating in many states and expanding to include other marginalized groups, such as the LGBTQ community, under the dubious guise of combatting CRT. Some states have banned books by distinguished Black authors that they consider antithetical to classroom cohesion. A report by PEN America (2021) found that between July 2021 and June 2022, 2,532 book bans occurred in public schools across the U.S, and 40 % of the books banned were authored by people of color featuring race and racism, activism, and issues deemed to have sexual content.

MISCONCEPTIONS OF CRT:

Misconception: CRT teaches that all white people are racists and oppressors.

Fact: CRTexaminesstructuresandinstitutionsandtheirroleinperpetratinginequality.

Misconception: CRT paints African Americans and other minorities as victims.

Fact: CRTemploysanextensivebreadthofscholarlysources,factualfindings,and materialstodepicttheherculeaneffortsmadebyAfricanAmericansintheU.S.to achieveprogressdespitefacingunequalbarriers.

Misconception: CRT is a divisive subject that can cause resentment, especially in K-12.

Fact: CRTisnottaughtinK-12,andmanystatelegislatureshaveyettomentionCRTin theirpassageoflegislationtobanrace-consciousteachings.Learningaboutdiversity, equity,andinclusionbenefitsbroadersociety.

Implications

Banning racial-conscious teachings and African American history under the guise of protecting children against CRT silences Black and Indigenous voices by arbitrarily determining palatability. Social, political, and economic justice requires grappling with history and the role of institutions in proliferating racism to remedy the injustices subjected to people of color. Moreover, CRT and similar topics that interrogate systemic racism can be a uniting force among all races in America. Confronting the painful realities of Native American genocide, slavery, and the ensuing legacy of systemic racism provides students with the necessary tools and theoretical frameworks to acknowledge the role of institutions— healthcare, finance, and education—in producing consequential inequities.

Outlawing factual materials related to race can falsely give credence to the pretext that America is a meritocracy where everyone has an equal opportunity despite their race or gender. This notion reinforces stereotypes and creates a large pool of miseducation that perpetuates systemic racism and gross inequities. The health of our democracy is inextricably linked to our commitment to reconciling with systemic racism. Racism plays a nefarious role in our institutions, and accepting this notion is paramount in constructing a society that actively seeks justice and equality.

Conclusion

In June 2021, Delaware passed House Bill 198 which incorporates Black history in most subjects while celebrating the contributions of African Americans and exploring the ramifications of racism. African American history is a fundamental aspect of American history. Undeniably, African Americans played a vital role in the foundation, industrialization, and growth of the U.S. as a global power, despite facing near insurmountable conditions. Thus, critiquing the systems and institutions to reach equity and correcting the past and current grievances against disadvantaged communities should not elicit hate, division, and violence. We are, however, reminded that race remains a central issue in America, and a large segment of our population is obstinate on race-related topics. We must incentivize school districts to teach history honestly, cultivate candid discussions, and stand against the revision of history.

References

Atterbury, A. (2023, March 16). DeSantis’ anti-woke law remains blocked in Florida colleges. POLITICO. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/16/desantis-anti-woke-law-00087483

Delgado, R., & Stefancic, J. (2012). Critical Race Theory: An Introduction. NYU Press.

Fernandez, M. (2023a, February 9). Critical Race Theory FAQ. Legal Defense Fund. https://www.naacpldf.org/critical-race-theory-faq/?gclid=Cj0KCQiApKagBhC1ARIsAFc7Mc7gtFAS0VS5 Sr44D77_JI3wlXBlLUVC1inOmjoVDDDnmGISySz770saAtn7EALw_wcB

George, J. (2021a, January). A Lesson on Critical Race Theory. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/ publications/human_rights_magazine_home/civil-rights-reimagining-policing/a-lesson-on-criticalrace-theory/

Hanson, M. (2022a, August 24). U.S. Public Education Spending Statistics [2023]: per Pupil + Total. Education Data Initiative. https://educationdata.org/public-education-spending-statistics

Hartocollis, A., & Fawcett, E. (2023a, February 9). The College Board Strips Down Its A.P. Curriculum for African American Studies. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/us/collegeboard-advanced-placement-african-american-studies.html

PEN America. (2023a, January 3). Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Ban Books - PEN America. https://pen.org/report/banned-usa-growing-movement-to-censor-books-in-schools/

The Florida Senate. (2022). House Bill 7. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/7

West, S. (2022a, April 1). Tennessee students say CRT laws harm their mental health - Chalkbeat Tennessee. Chalkbeat Tennessee. https://tn.chalkbeat.org/2022/4/1/23004966/tennessee-schoolscritical-race-theory-culture-wars-mental-health-memphis-nashville-knoxville

World Population Review. (2023a). States that Have Banned Critical Race Theory 2023. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/states-that-have-banned-critical-race-theory