What Is Critical Race Theory And Why Does It Matter?

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Children in a classroom
In this May 18, 2021, file photo, a teacher, center, and her third grade students wear face masks and are seated at proper social distancing spacing during as she conducts her class in Rye, N.Y. In response to a push for culturally responsive teaching that gained steam following last year’s police killing of George Floyd, Republican lawmakers and governors have championed legislation to limit the teaching of material that explores how race and racism influence American politics, culture and law. The measures have become law in Tennessee, Idaho and Oklahoma and bills have been introduced in over a dozen other states. Mary Altaffer/ AP Photo

Conservatives around the country have been raising alarm about an esoteric academic pedagogy called “critical race theory.” We talk to an educational scholar about what critical race theory actually is and the best ways to teach about our country’s history of racism.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Joe Tarr Producer
  • Britny Williams Technical Director
  • Christopher Emdin Guest