Misconceptions in the Critical Race Theory Debate
The topic of critical race theory (CRT) in public schools has exploded in notoriety this past year–both in the media and on legislative floors. Mentions of CRT have risen exponentially on Fox news, and since January of 2021, 41 states have introduced bills seeking to limit teachers’ ability to discuss matters of inequality. (EdWeek/Media Matters) Far-right Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene went so far as to claim that CRT as a whole is “completely evil,” and that teachers found to be teaching it should be fired. (Newsweek)
Where did this fervor come from? Why do conservatives equate CRT to indoctrination and reverse-racism? And, most importantly, what effects will result from state legislatures banning CRT in schools?
The belief spreading among conservatives–both constituents and lawmakers–is that teaching CRT in public schools amounts to shaming privileged groups simply because of their inclusion in said group, irrespective of whether their actions are actually racist or bigoted (Brookings), and that it involves indoctrinating students with the idea that America is fundamentally racist. Crucially, few proposed bills mention CRT by name; rather, these laws more broadly ban discussions that are deemed unpatriotic, or that might make a student feel discomfort or guilt as a result of their race. (EdWeek)
The spread of these sentiments has caused many scholars to scratch their heads in confusion. In their quest to ban it, conservatives have misrepresented what CRT actually is. (Brookings) CRT does not, as conservatives fear, involve the blaming of any particular people for inequalities in America; rather, CRT is a school of thought in which one accepts that laws, institutions, and systems can be conceived in such a way that they perpetuate or widen racial inequalities. In fact, CRT does not seek to levy blame against anyone. One scholar and CRT advocate clarifies that CRT is, at its core, the belief that racism can exist without racists. (Bonilla-Silva)
It is impossible to pinpoint exactly one source of these misconceptions; the most likely surface-level explanation is that conservative activists have successfully ‘rebranded’ the phrase. One such activist describes CRT as “the perfect villain.” Their goal is to consolidate conservative dissent–which has formerly been spread thin against multiple concepts like political correctness or cancel culture–and direct a more united effort against CRT as a singular threat. (The New Yorker) So critics of CRT have begun to use the doctrine as an umbrella term–under which they place any discussion of systemic racism that makes them uncomfortable. In their panic, these oppositionists have turned to the legislative floor. Ironically, efforts to use the law to ban CRT only solidify its truthfulness and importance. As one sociologist tweeted: “making laws outlawing critical race theory confirms the point that racism is embedded in the law.” (Twitter: @viktorerikray)
Perhaps the greatest irony of all is that conservatives have elected to attack CRT because they believe it is anti-american and anti-patriotic; meanwhile, many scholars insist that outlawing it would be a hindrance to America’s future success. Advocates for CRT assert that accepting that America is imperfect and challenging the design of its institutions is a vital step in creating the best possible version of our nation. (CourierPress)
It is precisely this assertion that defines the stakes of these new anti-CRT laws. Simply put, they are a throttle on racial progress. Banning discussions of systemic racism from school robs the next generation of the critical skills necessary to address and correct racial inequality.
A future where discussions of racism are banned from schools is a bleak one–and the bleakest parts of it are already presenting themselves in areas of the country where these laws are being passed. In a twitter thread, author Kaylynn Bayron lamented her experience discussing her books. Bayron is often asked to visit schools and give talks on inclusivity and representation in literature, but recently she has been frustrated by newly imposed limits on her discussions. As she puts it: “being invited to events that ask me to speak on diversity and inclusion without speaking honestly about WHY there is a lack of representation in children’s literature is disrespectful and dishonest.” (Twitter: @KaylynnBayron) Bayron’s frustration is understandable; instructing her to discuss racism without addressing its causes greatly limits any potential for learning or progress.
Bayron’s story is just one example out of many, but one can see within it the heart of the conservative assault on CRT. On purpose or not, it is shockingly brilliant and despicable. This new string of laws are not only anti-progressive–they make talking about race infuriating and fruitless. If this misconceived agenda succeeds, then educators will maintain the ability to acknowledge racism, but not the ability to give their students a fighting chance at fixing it. The result is insulting to those who experience racism in their own lives.
Of those 41 states who have considered bills that would ban or limit racial discussion in schools, 14 states have signed such bills into law. With any luck, lawmakers will come to their senses and realize that if they truly wish to be patriotic, they must cease their misguided crusade against CRT, stop passing bills that outlaw it, and overturn those laws that they have already passed. Anything less would be a greater anti-American tragedy than anything that conservatives are supposedly trying to prevent.
Sources:
Bonilla-Silva, Eduardo. (2017). Racism Without Racists: Colorblind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781442276239/Racism-without-Racists-Color-Blind-Racism-and-the-Persistence-of-Racial-Inequality-in-America-Fifth-Edition
https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/map-where-critical-race-theory-is-under-attack/2021/06
https://www.mediamatters.org/fox-news/fox-news-obsession-critical-race-theory-numbers
https://www.newsweek.com/marjorie-taylor-greene-says-crt-should-outlawed-teachers-fired-spot-1608594
https://twitter.com/KalynnBayron/status/1498129046437306369
https://twitter.com/victorerikray/status/1403437961367240711?s=12