Would You Approve of Your Child Being Taught Critical Race Theory in School?

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is often a topic of debate and misunderstanding. Some argue that CRT is a college-level concept that has no place in early education, while others believe that truth and education about our history are essential, even for young children. This article aims to clarify the ongoing discussion, providing a comprehensive overview of CRT and its relevance in educational settings.

Addressing Misconceptions

One common misconception is that CRT is not taught outside of college or law school. However, many educators and social theorists, including legal scholar Angela Harris, have applied CRT principles in educational and sociological contexts. This theory, rooted in social justice and aimed at challenging systemic racism, is indeed being discussed and taught in certain educational settings.

Key Principles of Critical Race Theory

1. CRT in Education and Sociology

Critical Race Theory is not just a legal concept. It is also used in education and sociology to address systemic issues within these fields. Harris’s introduction to Critical Race Theory: An Introduction is a perfect example of how the theory is being applied beyond the courtroom to understand and address societal problems.

2. Teaching by Teachers

Teachers are not merely delivering a whitewashed version of history; they are using CRT to provide students with a more complex understanding of the social and legal apparatus of race and racism. Teachers are using CRT to ensure that students are aware of the past and present challenges and are equipped to address them in the future.

3. Context of 1619

The 1619 arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia marks a crucial period in American history. CRT helps to contextualize this critical event and its ongoing impacts on American society. The theory encourages a deeper dive into the history and the complexities of race in the United States.

4. Availability and Pre-emptive Measures

While the theory is primarily discussed in colleges and law schools, it is also being integrated into curricula at various levels. An internet search can reveal race-based curricula that use CRT to educate students about historical and current racial issues. The logic of preemptive measures, as applied to climate change, can also be used in education to address potential issues before they become prominent.

5. Pre-emptive Teaching

The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has significant implications for educational policy. Teaching CRT can help students and educators understand and address systemic issues before they become insurmountable problems. This approach is not unique to CRT; it is also applied to issues like climate change, showing that prevention is crucial in many aspects of life.

6. Evidence and Proof

It is impossible to prove that no classroom among the 250,000 in the United States is teaching CRT. The theory is too pervasive and too relevant to be simply ignored. Teachers, parents, and policymakers must acknowledge the importance of teaching CRT and ensure that students are provided with a comprehensive understanding of race and historical racism.

Implications for Young Children

Children should be taught the truth about the history of their country, including the fact that legal inequality was based on race. While the detailed legal apparatus of slavery and Jim Crow may not be taught in kindergarten, it is essential for all children to know the true history of their country to understand its current state. Pretending that we are and always have been all treated as equals is simply false.

The Value of Knowledge

Imagine a child in an impoverished region of Louisiana, Mississippi, or Chicago observing the racial and economic disparities around them. Such children need to know that the past, with its legal apparatus of slavery and Jim Crow, laid the groundwork for the current state of affairs. Understanding these truths can empower children to work towards a more equitable future, rather than feeling that their current situation is solely their fault.

It is crucial to teach children that while good intentions can have harmful outcomes, this should not be taught dogmatically. Children need to know that historical laws and practices aimed to upheld racial inequalities and that succeeding generations must work to redress these injustices. Knowledge of CRT can help children understand how to read and write, not just as a skill, but as a tool for empowerment and social change.

Conclusion

The teaching of Critical Race Theory in schools is not about indoctrinating children, but about providing them with a nuanced understanding of their history and the importance of social justice. While the theory is complex, it is essential for educators and policymakers to address the systemic issues that have shaped our society. Teaching CRT can help ensure that future generations are aware of the past and equipped to create a more equitable and just future.