More Than Just a Theory
TY’HANA ALDRIDGE | NOV. 10, 2021 | OPINIONS
Among various controversial topics, Critical Race Theory has made its way to the center of political and educational conversations. On June 10, 2021, Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced a bill meant to ban discussion of Critical Race Theory in Florida classrooms. Gov. Desantis claimed at a State Board of Education meeting, “The woke class wants to teach kids to hate each other, rather than teaching them how to read,” which is the exact opposite of CRT’s aim. Critical Race Theory, commonly referred to as “CRT,” has become a feared topic for politicians and critics who deny, rather than acknowledge, its relevance towards encouraging youth to address racial injustice.
CRT is a concept that explains racism as a social construct embedded into the American legal system and is not solely based on an individual’s beliefs. Derrick Bell, former attorney for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, theorized the idea in the 1970s after critically examining racism’s role in society, and developed a concept that would be later known as CRT. Years following, Bell’s definition of CRT is being molded into various definitions and dragged into political debates.
Conservatives and critics argue Critical Race Theory is toxic propaganda that encourages racist ideology and promotes ignorance to adolescents. Yet, the majority of people who disapprove of CRT are uninformed of its actual meaning. A Reuters/Ipsos poll taken in July 2021 showed 57% of adults were familiar with CRT, but are still influenced by misconceptions. In the same poll, 33% of participants stated they believe CRT says, “white people are inherently bad or evil.” The ajority of participants supported the teaching of slavery and African American history in schools, yet opposed teaching CRT. These falsified beliefs have influenced the states currently attempting to ban CRT in schools.
Legislators across the country have shown immense support for the preconceived assumptions of CRT. For example, Florida’s recent ban limits the teaching of The New York Times 1619 Project that focuses on slavery and African American history. While parents and lawmakers deem it toxic to student education, adopting this curriculum would inform students on social issues and its effects. European History or Sociology courses can benefit a student’s education, but lack the impactful and historical depth of CRT. Conversations surrounding race may seem uncomfortable to parents, but these discussions are necessary for developing social awareness within youth.
As a Black student, being introduced to a wide range of educational topics would inform students part of the minority of racism's effect on people of color in society. In February, Duval County students held protests demanding the district include more Black History in classrooms. These protests showed the restlessness of students that lack representation in education. The ban on CRT shows a hesitation among lawmakers to promote inclusion and unity among a racially diverse population of students. Teaching CRT would not only educate students who are unaware, but it would also make minorities feel heard.
Still, uncertainty remains in the minds of concerned parents. The possibility of children returning from school feeling divided by race is part of what makes CRT a controversial topic. Because of its complexity, there may be difficulty in understanding its definition. However, it is important to note that CRT aims to work against racism by acknowledging its existence and to dissolve the issue by reforming laws and bills that exemplify racist ideology. To accomplish this, the youth must be informed on the realities of racism in America and work to ethically make a change.
CRT goes beyond addressing blatant racial conflicts in society; it acknowledges the embedded racism within our nation. By banning the concept from school curriculums, lawmakers are withholding the truth from students and the opportunities to make a change. Due to its complexity, a form of CRT should be introduced in high schools as an individual course. In short, CRT should be offered to students willing to learn about social injustice and develop solutions.