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Elizabeth Guerrero || Article
Critical Race Theory has become a common term in US news. Many state legislatures have been discussing its importance within K-12 classrooms. Before diving into the importance of keeping critical race theory within school curriculums, it is essential to understand what it means.
The main concept of critical race theory is that racism is systemic; It is embedded within legal systems and has been for years. This is a theory that was mainly created by legal scholars Derrick Bell, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and Richard Delgado. The reason why critical race theory is being targeted is that it makes people and especially youth aware of the faults in the American society. These laws preventing the teaching of critical race theory are being passed because America is built upon White Superiority and with that, there is a fragility that comes with it.
As of this month, over 20 states have made some sort of progress to introduce such bills. Critical race theory is just one aspect being targeted. It will also be illegal to teach on certain topics related to race or sex. Advocacy by the youth will be hindered and children will not be encouraged to examine the cracks in the American legal system. Despite some claims, systemic racism does not mean segregated lunch counters. BIPOC are witness to and victims of systemic racism every day.
A racially aware generation is of the highest importance. If schools cannot provide an honest and full education, the millions of BIPOC students will be at an even greater disadvantage. Our houses are built on stolen Indigenous land, police brutality is rampant, the school-to-prison pipeline is real. America is a country built on racism and the youth of this country cannot be taught to ignore this.
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Cover Photo: https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/right-wing-freakout-about-critical-race-theory-began-1960s-n1271670