Critical Race Theory: An Explanation, Pt. 1

Although as a concept, it has been around for over 40 years, Critical race theory has recently become a controversial topic. This topic exploded in the public arena —especially in K-12, where numerous state legislatures debated bills seeking to ban its use in the classroom.

In this modern context, when considering this terminology, a bifurcated set of questions quickly emerge.

Is “critical race theory” a way of understanding how American racism has shaped public policy, or is it a divisive discourse that pits people of color against white people?

These questions have caused sharp disagreements among ideologically dissimilar groups.

While it is tempting to say that critical race theory. has been suddenly thrust upon us by political leaders, political parties, and other actors and events such as those surrounding the formation of groups like Black Lives Matter, the murder of George Floyd and the protest surrounding it, all of these events and more have merely increased public awareness about issues that have been around for…