Critical info about Critical Race Theory

What exactly is Critical Race Theory (CRT)? CRT originated from the Critical Legal Studies with the work of Derrick Bell, Kimberlé Crenshaw and Alan Freeman, who were concerned by the lack of racial reform in the United States.

CRT states that white supremacy exists and has power through law and that it is possible to resolve this inequity.

According to Cleveland Hayes, associate dean of academic affairs and a professor in the Indiana University School of Education, CRT has become weaponized as anti-American or anti-white. As quoted in USA Today, Hayes said that wasn’t the theory’s purpose but that it’s more about inclusion: “It’s not about you as a white person … it’s about recognizing the humanity and erasure of people of color.”

In a story on ABC News last month, Kimberlé Crenshaw, a Columbia Law School professor, said the concept of critical race theory is being misrepresented and used as a political tool: “We can never forget that slavery was perfectly legal and constitutionally protected. Law has played a mixed role in our history. It has enslaved us. It has justified disenfranchising us. It has justified segregating us. It has justified marginalizing us, criminalizing us.”

So, after being around for more than four decades, why is CRT being talked about for public schools? Six states have introduced bills that aim to place limitations on lessons about race and inequality being taught in American schools.

None of the bills directly mention CRT, but the legislators sponsoring the bills have invoked the educational movement while advocating for their legislation.

Texas Republican State House Rep. Steve Toth told ABC News that he encourages race to be taught in classrooms “from a diverse and contending perspective without showing deference to one side or the other.” He said he believes the term “white privilege” blames children for actions of racism in the past and says critical race theorists believe if someone can’t acknowledge white supremacy or white privilege, then they are racist. He did not answer what his definition of critical race theory is. “We should not teach that one race is superior to another,” Toth said. “We should not teach that one race is inferior to another.”

The Utah Legislature addressed CRT in a special session last month. They passed a resolution unanimously, after Democratic representatives walked out of the chamber in protest, that prohibits teaching “certain concepts,” which lawmakers categorized as critical race theory.