What's behind the Suppression of Critical Thinking and Discussion in our Schools and Colleges?

“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it,?people will eventually come to believe it."

Unless you've been on another planet, you are aware of one of the most concerning and troubling issues for many in education today. K12-School and College curriculum experts, teachers, parents, school boards, and state leaders are just a few of the voices echoing the supposed threats and dangers of "Critical Race Theory instruction. In this day of media and technology, does anyone besides me find it unusual we have no" I got you moments", videos, secret tapes, tell all confessions, etc. from news sources like 60 Minutes, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, or Fox verifying or validating the detractors' suspicions about CRT. Could this be a false issue and narrative contrived for political and personal gain or something even more sinister?

In order to make one's own judgements and understand why this issue has gained so much traction and caused so much debate, one must first understand what Critical Race Theory is and is not, as well as the historical subplots and current ideologies surrounding the curious and irrational rush to legislation against CRT.

"Critical race theory traces its origins to a framework of legal scholarship that gained momentum in the 1980s by challenging conventional thinking about race-based discrimination, which for decades assumed that discrimination on the basis of race could be solved by expanding constitutional rights and then allowing individuals who were discriminated against to seek legal remedies. However, some legal scholars pointed out that such solutions – though well-intentioned – weren't effective because, they argued, racism is pervasive and baked into the foundation of the U.S. legal system and society as a whole."

(What is Critical Race Theory and Why are People so Upset About It?) U.S. News and Report World, -Lauren Camera, June 2021

In other words, Critical Race Theory speaks to the belief that racism is part of a systematic framework that has historically worked to deny people of color redress and equal opportunities. CRT speaks to a power and control dynamic that's inherently built into the systems that interacts with all our lives, (Housing, Justice, Policing, Education, Employment, etc.) and how those interactions are sometimes applied differently to minorities and people of color.

“CRT is not radical if you actually know what it is. The idea that race is embedded in the law and our nation’s institutions is simply historical fact.”

Nikole Hannah-Jones- Creator of the 1619 Project

Unfortunately, without an understanding of the historical and disproportionate nature of our systems, many see CRT as a threat that fuels hate and blame for past histories and offenses. CRT is not about blaming people or assigning guilt but examining the framework and context of systems that cause inequities and inequalities in our society. There are those in leadership positions using misinformation, ignorance, false statements, and threats of termination to drive the fears, and anxiety of an already fragmented country and electorate toward an aversion to CRT instruction.

I would argue that there are many Americans that could not tell you what Critical Race Theory instruction is but would say they are against it simply based on the negative assertions they have heard. Unfortunately, in many cases, whenever the word "race" is interjected into any phrase, conversation, or discussion, objectivity by all seems elusive. Would the issue still be as concerning if we just called it Critical Theory?

If perception is reality, then one might see or understand why so many are jumping on the anti-CRT bandwagon. This issue reminds me of the controversy around Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protest of racial injustice and police brutality. The real reason for his kneeling was ignored and the narrative was then changed by media and those in power to create a perception that reflected the idea that he didn't respect America or the flag. This deliberate misinformation and misrepresentation feed into the stereotypes many with various racial and political agendas were happy to spread and get others to believe. It was easier to believe he was un-American instead of thinking that he had a legitimate point to make about police brutality and racial injustice. Like Kaepernick's true reasons for protest, the truth behind CRT is being twisted, overshadowed, dismissed, and falsely reported. Why?

Fear

“Irrational fear feeds on itself and grows. You must deny it.”

Dean Koontz?

I would argue that fear generated by ignorance is dangerous to a society but fear falsely created and codified into law is catastrophic to the human race. One has only to look at the historical events surrounding the rise of Adolph Hitler to see my point. Those vehemently opposing CRT to the extent of passing legislation that outlaws it without any documentation or proof of its impacts or harm should concern us all. Where is the data or research that backs up their claims and fears of CRT? Without any proof, documentation, or evidence how can one advocate legislation or enact laws against CRT simply based on the fears or concerns of what might happen or what others are perceiving is happening. Using this logic, the institution of Slavery and "Jim Crow" laws might still exist. I am concerned that we as a country are being influenced by those seeking to reverse or halt the progress we are gradually making in inclusion, common ground understandings, and consensus building that works to unify and define us all as one citizenry and one country. The images of millions of people of all races and walks of life here and worldwide supporting the George Floyd and Trye Nichols protests against police brutality threatens the status quo and ideology of those that benefit from a racially divided country, people, and world.

More importantly, unified, multi-cultural, and multi-racial protests strike against an ideology of them versus us and taps into the commonalities and humanity in all of us. Unfortunately, there is a segment of our society and world that does not want this to happen for a variety of reasons.

CRT instruction demands we look honestly at the history (past and present) of those frameworks and systems that have stifled and continue to halt our humanity toward people of color and other minorities. Why do many fear this examination? Are they afraid we will all become more empathetic towards each other, thus creating more compassion and understanding in society and the world?

As I continued to think more deeply about CRT, several questions and concerns entered my mind:

Does the speed of laws enacted against CRT by several states raise a red flag and a concern that there is a concerted effort to by-pass the electorate?

What role should the U.S. Constitution play in this debate?

Are we headed toward a replay of the Civil War arguments of States rights vs the role of the Federal government?

Are we to eliminate the study of certain parts of History and Social Studies in our schools and colleges based on fear and comfort level?

History

How can one talk about the history of America without discussing how we got here. Yes, the truth of our history is disturbing, glorious, troubling, remarkable, and uncomfortable all at the same time, but the role of education is not to avoid the truth, but to pull back the layers of America's skin to allow critical thinkers and learners an opportunity to understand, form, and draw their own conclusions regarding America's history. If one's purpose is to explore and study the truth of America, one must welcome and seek to understand critical thinking and discussion opportunities that may be uncomfortable but represent the issues that have negatively or positively impacted our nation.

CRT instruction reinforces the idea that truths about the way people of color and other minorities have been and continue to be treated by the systems that operate in all our lives are not someone's opinion but are backed by evidence-based facts. You don't have to take my or anyone else's word, do your homework, do your own research then you decide if the narratives being spread about CRT are true or false. This may still not sway your view, but at least you will have a view based in more than just hearsay or political rhetoric.

Educators, leaders, parents, and community stakeholders must not be afraid to challenge false perceptions and efforts to enact laws against CRT. They must do their homework, question and look at the motives and actions of those so strongly against it. CRT detractors would have you believe that students are being brainwashed and made to feel guilty by instructors and told how to feel and think about particular issues. This is blatantly false. Are their protestations really about educating students properly and truthfully or are they more interested in moving forth a political agenda and narrative that's about controlling minds and not protecting the principles of a free democracy.

The fact that there are those seeking to suppress or censor the truth of our nation's history is not surprising, but the false rhetoric and rate at which laws are being passed and introduced to outlaw CRT instruction is suspicious. With all the problems plaguing our schools, teachers, students, parents, and communities, I find it curious and misguided that their plights and problems aren't being addressed with the same attention, rate, and tenacity by school boards and state leaders as those advocating and passing laws against Critical Race Theory instruction.

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

Atticus Finch- From "To Kill a Mockingbird " by Harper Lee