First, let's define what CRT is. According to Stephen Sawchuck in EducationWeek CRT is the teaching that “race is a social construct, and that racism is not merely the product of individual bias or prejudice, but also something embedded in legal systems and policies.”
On one hand people believe that teaching CRT creates a bigger racial divide due to the fact that the “theory advocates discriminating against white people in order to achieve equity.” On the other hand, people see CRT as teaching the fundamental aspects of history that need to be acknowledged and told.
The argument that teaching the correct history of the United States causes a greater divide is ridiculous.
According to CNN, “at least two dozen states have banned critical race theory or introduced legislation to ban it from being taught in the classroom, with many conservatives calling it a divisive concept.”
In order to create a more inclusive society, this country needs to confront its past and teach it properly. School systems for too long have been sugar coating, or simply sweeping under the rug, the racism that existed and still exists.
Teaching CRT does not divide students, but instead tells students the reality of the country they live in and what it has been built on. To continue the teaching that racism is a thing of the past harms students of color.
The truth is that racism is systemic and systematic. This is something that must be taught to students in order to create a more inclusive learning environment for all kids.
For too long one side of history has been taught, a side that has mistaught and hurt students of color. It is time the education system implements critical race theory into schools to teach proper history and finally help the students of color in this country.
Sources:
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-is-critical-race-theory-and-why-is-it-under-attack/2021/05
https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/01/us/critical-race-theory-explainer-trnd/index.html
https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/14/us/critical-race-theory-what-is-it/index.html
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2021/11/07/batya_ungar-sargon_media_narrative_about_critical_race_theory_is_a_way_to_avoid_talking_about_class.html
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/opinion-michigan-legislatures-proposed-critical-121217668.html?
https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/map-where-critical-race-theory-is-under-attack/2021/06
