A United Understanding of Critical Race Theory

Schools in America have once again become a primary battleground, this time around the phrase “critical race theory.” As North Dakota United has fielded a number of calls and emails about this topic in recent months, this article is intended to help us all have a conversation, together, about what exactly Critical Race Theory is, as well as what it isn’t.

What is Critical Race Theory? Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an academic concept that emerged out of a framework for legal analysis in the late 1970s. In current form, it is a body of legal scholarship that critically examines the intersection of race and United States law. CRT is taught in law school and other graduate school programs, solely to adults. Critical Race Theory is a legal theory that examines the understanding that who we are, the laws we have in place, the histories that have been handed down to us, have been shaped by race. The basic tenets theorize that racism and disparate racial outcomes are the result of complex, changing, and often subtle social and institutional dynamics, rather than explicit and intentional prejudices in individuals.

Like any other theory, CRT can be misunderstood and misapplied. Over the last few months, it has been constantly distorted and attacked. And it continues to change and evolve, as every theory should. Critical Race Theory is a legal theory debated by adults in institutions of higher education and is not a curriculum used in K-12 education in the United States. Is Critical Race Theory taught within K-12 curriculum in North Dakota? No. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is not taught in any K-12 school in North Dakota, nor is it a part of North Dakota’s K-12 Education Content Standards, as set forth in the North Dakota Century Code 15.1-21. As you know, North Dakota’s phenomenal educators must follow the K-12 Education Content Standards developed by North Dakota teachers for North Dakota students, ultimately approved by locally elected school boards. It bears repeating – Critical Race Theory is a legal theory debated by adults in institutions of higher education and is not a curriculum used in K-12 education in the North Dakota. For a complete version of the official North Dakota Content Standards, please visit: www. nd.gov/dpi/districtsschools/ k-12-education-contentstandards. What is North Dakota United’s position? North Dakota United President Nick Archuleta summarizes our position by stating, “At North Dakota United, we believe in teaching the truth. Period. Among the things that define American Exceptionalism is our ability to look at our nation and celebrate those things that make us the envy of the world in so many ways. “Another factor that makes our nation exceptional,” Archuleta continued, “is our ability to also acknowledge that as a nation, we have not been perfect. America is great because we do not shy away from our past, we learn from it, mistakes and all. We are in constant pursuit of forming a more perfect union, and that fact is something I am very proud of as an American.”

Sources: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction “A Lesson on Critical Race Theory”, The American Bar Association “Why are states banning critical race theory?” The Brookings Institution “What is Critical Race Theory, and Why Is It Under Attack?”, Education Week ndunited.org Ӏ 9