Critical Race Theory
Post-Civil Rights to the Present
(CRT) is a framework within the United States coined during the post-civil rights era. Today, CRT has become , but it is technically defined as an academic and legal examination of systemic racism. Proponents of the CRT movement include civil rights activists such as , who drew on ideas from , , and other key figures within . Progressive black scholars continue to lobby for the inclusion of this cross-discipline informal education systems. of all races on how social institutions perpetuate and sustain racism in the United States.
CRT has its opponents too. Representative Bob Good from Virginia's Fifth Congressional District is addressing the concerns of his constituents. Good introduced the in September of last year. He explained that "Critical Race Theory teaches children that their level of success and achievements in life is determined by the color of their skin," further asserting that . If passed, Good's bill, , "will amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make using critical race theory or critical race pedagogy in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance a violation of such Act."
outlaws discrimination based on race, color, and other protected classes. Good believes that CRT violates this act, contributing to racial tensions and further dividing American culture by fixating on race and color. Good also suggests that CRT , tackling topics they should address. The passage of H. R. 5398 makes teaching CRT in public education systems punishable by law. Teachers have established their opposition towards H. R. 5398 and other state measures of similar intent. across the United States have signed a petition, pledging to teach CRT regardless of its legality in their state.
Due to its controversy and novelty, theories on the long-term effects of CRT vary among parents, educators, and students. , an associate professor at Virginia Tech, suggests that CRT pushes for a stronger emphasis on corporate responsibility. Welcoming a workforce of CRT-educated individuals brings insight to organizational challenges, such as institutional racism, employee race relations, and the execution of diversity and inclusion initiatives. Businesses that invest in diverse teams experience , which is 3 percent more than companies with significant racial gaps. CRT principles aim to shape younger generations into more open-minded, culturally sensitive, and progressive individuals which are within innovative and lucrative companies.
On the other hand, some share the opinion of , a sociology professor at the University of Illinois. Redstone suggests that CRT focuses too heavily on identity politics and the oppressive dynamics of the past rather than on fostering healthy workplace relationships. Industry professionals also argue that CRT is counterproductive, wasting time and resources, and inviting public backlash to implement mandatory training.
As of February 1, 2022, in the classroom. On a federal level, that advocated against adopting a more progressive curriculum. In August 2021, Representative Madison Cawthorn introduced the prohibiting federal funding that promotes divisive concepts, including CRT. , introduced in May 2021, sought to entirely defund CRT and reimplement former that outlawed race or sex scapegoating and stereotyping. During his term, President Joe Biden has taken a different stance, repealing the order , such as . This project "reframes the country's history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contribution of black Americans at the center of the nation's narrative." In a proposal from April 2021, the Department of Education planned to prioritize the development of grants for American History and Civics Education programs that follow the efforts of the 1619 Project and the words of anti-racist activists such as Ibram X. Kendi. The Biden Administration to support such teaching approaches.
With various CRT-related projects, bills, and grants moving into 2022, this topic remains a high-profile issue. To learn more about CRT and its breadth of knowledge, consider reading or . To stay updated on the progress of the Defending Students' Civil Rights Act of 2022, refer to . Finally, to read more about or the , check out their respective websites.
