Critical Race Theory: Breaking It Down

"Nothing about education is about just making you feel comfortable. Sometimes we learn the most in the midst of discomfort."—Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings

Episode | Related Video | Transcript

Critical Race Theory: Breaking It Down

Clip: S2 Ep1 | 1m 47s

What is critical race theory? Why has it become such a controversial topic?

Related Clips:

Critical Race Theory

Angela Fitzgerald discusses Critical Race Theory with Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings.

S2 Ep1 | 26m 48s

Critical Race Theory: Comfort in the Classroom

Having uncomfortable conversations about race in the classroom.

Clip: S2 Ep1 | 1m 1s

Critical Race Theory: Fighting the Impossible Fight

Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings on why things that feel “impossible” are worth doing.

Clip: S2 Ep1 | 2m 50s

GUEST

Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings

Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings is Professor Emerita and former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor in Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2005-06 she served as president of the American Educational Research Association, and from 2017-2021 she was elected as president of the National Academy of Education. She has authored several books, including The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children and Critical Race Theory in Education: A Scholar’s Journey.

TRANSCRIPT

Narrator | Host Angela Fitzgerald:

Critical Race Theory, or CRT, can be a controversial buzzword today.

But that wasn’t always the case. In fact, it isn’t even a new concept.

CRT dates back to the 1970s and ’80s as a framework for legal analysis that was created by several legal scholars to suggest that “race is a social construct, “and that racism is not merely individual bias “or prejudice, but something embedded in systems, policies, and practices. “

CRT suggests that because racism is so deeply ingrained in the fabric of our nation, even well-intentioned decisions made by individuals can help to fuel racism.

And for some, therein lies the perceived controversy, resulting in the creation of anti-CRT legislation. In Wisconsin, the legislature passed a bill in January 2022 that would limit the discussion of racism in K-12 classrooms, including any teaching that, quote, “An individual, by virtue of that individual’s race or sex, “is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously. ” The bill was vetoed by Governor Tony Evers.

Critics of anti-CRT legislation say that if America desires a more equitable future, then we must be willing to acknowledge the atrocities of the past and their influence on the present.

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