Opposition to critical race theory is concerning, but not unending

By Dylan Friedman
Elm Staff Writer

Critical race theory is a legal concept based on critical theory, which is an examination of society and culture through power structures. However, the phrase is often applied to general efforts to fight racism. This generalized definition of CRT comes from nebulous discussions of its implementation in schools.

“Legal scholars developed an academic approach that examines American institutions and laws through the lens of race and racism…it’s been around for decades, and it’s used in postgraduate studies,” NPR’s Barbara Sprunt said. Since CRT is a collegiate-level theory, it isn’t being taught to kids, as teachers across the country have pointed out.

Despite this fact, some conservative pundits often depict CRT as a hateful philosophy with which children are indoctrinated.

“All K-12 schools…must teach children that ‘white supremacy, anti-Blackness, anti-indigeneity…and anthropocentrism’ are embedded in every aspect of American ‘society.’ So, if you’re a straight white American, even if you’re a very small child, you’re guilty…that’s what teachers will be telling your children this fall,” Fox News’ Tucker Carlson said.

As is exemplified by this statement, conservative pundits like Carlson have pushed back against CRT by framing it as something that encourages suppression and fear in school children. This resistance is disingenuous to what teaching CRT is actually trying to accomplish, and even who is taught CRT.

What Carlson is taking aim at is not CRT itself, it is ideas of anti-racist education which gives us a more accurate and rounded history of how the United States has discriminated against minorities and their movements. Not educating our youth on the nation’s more pernicious practices does a disservice to history and to our journey toward inclusion.

CRT is not appropriate to be taught to young children due to the complexity of its subject matter, but the core tenets of anti-racism that it promotes are defensible and worth promoting. It is important to educate people about how the United States has historically prioritized dominant power structures that prey on the freedoms of others.

In Loudoun County, Va., the integration of CRT into public school curricula has been opposed. “We have said for months now we are not teaching critical race theory in our schools. We’re not using any type of program to…‘indoctrinate’ or convert our children. Our equity work is all about doing what is best for children,” Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools Scott Ziegler said in an interview with PBS.

Conservative opposition to anti-racist ideas being taught has led to the passage of limiting legislation.

In July, Texas passed House Bill 3979, which stripped vital anti-racist sections from the state’s school curriculum. According to ABC News, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as broader topics such as women’s suffrage, the civil rights movement, and the history of white supremacy will be phased out as a result of the bill.

In addition to House Bill 3979, Senate Bill 3 dictates what current events teachers can discuss in the classroom, especially in relation to racism and the history of racism in the U.S. According to the bill, teachers are discouraged from discussing current events, and if they do, they must “give deference to both sides.”

According to ABC News, “Teachers are banned from linking systemic racism to the ‘authentic founding principles of the United States.’ But teachers and advocates say [House Bill 3979] is so vague that it could infringe on their ability to have truthful dialogue about history and racism with their students…and SB3 has…[the] potential to censor teachers and students in the classroom.”

Despite the immense efforts taken by the opposition to discredit CRT and prevent antiracism and other inclusive ideologies from being taught in schools, the outrage seems short-lived. According to the Washington Post, “In August…critical race theory was mentioned only 325 times on Fox News. And in September, the theory was mentioned only 150 times.”

Opposition to CRT is still fierce and divisive, but overall the discourse is dying down. As opposition fades, direct action should be taken to bolster anti-racism and its incorporation into curricula across the country.