The Misconceptions Surrounding CRT and its Contribution to Education

It is often claimed that Critical Race Theory (CRT) is now taught at K-12 levels, but this is a substantial misconception. CRT is a college-level course primarily taught in undergraduate and graduate school settings. Claims that it is being taught in high schools are either outright lies or the result of considerable miscommunication.

Understanding CRT and its Absence from K-12 Education

CRT examines the intersection of race and law, and how these interact in various contexts. It is not about teaching children about slavery; rather, it is part of a broader curriculum designed to help students understand and analyze the complex and often systemic nature of racial inequalities. The idea that CRT is harmful or that it should be avoided due to potential 'harm' to students is fundamentally misguided.

History has always been an integral part of K-12 education. From black history to the study of indigenous peoples and their histories, students are exposed to a wide range of cultural and historical perspectives. However, CRT is more than just a crash course in history; it is a complex academic theory that delves into the legal, social, and economic structures that perpetuate racial disparities.

Real Impact of CRT in Higher Education

At the college level, CRT has been shown to be incredibly valuable. In fields like public health, researchers use CRT as a tool to understand and address systemic inequalities. For instance, in the study of heart disease, the effectiveness of treatments is not just about the condition of the individual but also about the group characteristics that lead to different outcomes based on race. CRT allows researchers to isolate these factors and identify commonalities, which can lead to better collective outcomes.

Real-life Examples and Applications

For example, a CRT approach in public health can help identify systemic factors that contribute to health disparities. By examining the interactions between different groups and how these interactions impact health outcomes, public health professionals can develop more effective strategies to address these issues. This is far removed from the hyperbolic claims of turning children into radicals or communists.

One of my children, a researcher in public health, has integrated CRT into her work. She uses it to analyze the group characteristics of complex systemic interactions, such as the impact of poverty on health outcomes. The theory helps her understand how different social, economic, and legal structures interact to shape health outcomes, particularly among marginalized communities.

Addressing Misconceptions

The misconceptions about CRT often stem from a lack of understanding of how history, literature, social studies, and government are taught in American schools. Many people believe that our schools teach from a 1950s perspective, but this is far from the truth. Schools have been teaching black history, the racism in Manifest Destiny, and other important historical and social issues for decades.

Furthermore, the idea that CRT is about teaching activism is a false narrative. Schools, in general, teach forms of activism as part of their curriculum. Civics classes, government hearings, and community involvement are integral parts of the educational experience, preparing students to be active and engaged citizens.

As someone with a background in critical legal studies, I can confidently say that CRT is not being taught in schools unless you went to law school. Claims to the contrary are either unsubstantiated or the result of misunderstanding the nature and purpose of CRT.

Conclusion

While CRT is not part of K-12 education, it is a vital tool in higher education, particularly in fields like public health and law. The claims that CRT is harmful or that it is being taught in schools are based on misunderstandings and misrepresentations. Education, whether at the K-12 or college level, is not about indoctrination but about providing students with the tools to understand and critically engage with the world around them.