The true meaning and impacts of critical race theory

Since 2020, critical race theory has remained a hot topic among the public, parents, school board members, teachers and lawmakers all weighing in on the issue.  

In 2021, 14 states either passed legislation or took action banning critical race theory. Today, 17 states are currently considering legislation, including one that allows parents to sue if they feel their child is being taught critical race theory. At the same time, we have seen higher education institutions implement policies and practices that engage faculty in adopting diverse teaching methods, building curricula and creating inclusive classroom spaces. The conversations regarding critical race theory vary immensely and span the education continuum, from early childhood to postsecondary opportunities.  

It is clear that our challenge is getting the public on the same page, bringing us back to a fundamental question: What is critical race theory, and who does it impact?  

Critical Race Theory is a body of legal scholarship used to understand racial inequalities and policies that foster social inequality. This same conceptual framework has been applied to the field of education to understand the structures that lead to educational inequities. While the theory itself is not being taught in schools, the lens through which it helps to ensure that all backgrounds and perspectives are included to reflect the collective histories that define America is important to recognize.   

However, conversations around critical race theory are polarizing and discussions surrounding it often ignore the fact that even the most hurtful parts of our history are essential to learn. Most recently, this has resulted in efforts to remove books from school libraries. If we are to encourage free thought and critical thinking, we should be filling our libraries with books that allow students with historically-excluded identities to see themselves in the literature they read. Representation is important, not just in voice but in creating spaces for brave conversations that push us forward and help us grow. Amid the noise, we miss the opportunity to hear the voices of students and teachers, the ones most impacted by the policies and decisions being made.   

Critical race theory as a lens is imperative to understand as we spend the next two months celebrating Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Black history is wide and broad and encompasses a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, including those of non-Black allies and advocates that supported the freedom of enslaved peoples. Women’s History Month provides us an opportunity to consider multiple forms of identity as we remember the women who have made great strides throughout history. 

Their voices are a part of our history, and it is important that schools adopt an inclusive curriculum that encourages us to acknowledge the complexities of the past and embrace an ever-expanding view of teaching and learning so that we can move toward creating a more equitable educational system.  

Dr. Javaid Siddiqi is president and CEO of the Hunt Institute.