WEEK 4, THE FINAL WEEK, IN REVIEW
This past week, we invited you to join the conversation about “What is Critical Race Theory?” in our Stand Against Racism Challenge.
You accepted the week’s challenge to get a better understanding of “What is Critical Race Theory?” Our conversations addressed issues revolving around Week 4’s topics:
- What is Critical Race Theory?
- Racism in School Curriculum
- Teaching the Next Generation
- Legislative Backlash to CRT
- Truth & Healing
Here’s a little about what we’ve learned in Week 4’s Challenge:
This past year, if you followed the news, you probably heard about Critical Race Theory (CRT) and what students learn about race and racism in schools. We took time to dispel common misconceptions and to deep dive into the origins of this critical academic movement.
The backlash against Critical Race Theory in schools is partially a reaction to a push by teachers to correct the stereotypes and narratives in their curriculum that devalued people of color’s contributions and experiences.
Because of the racism embedded in the school curriculum, teachers have moved to update their lesson plans with an anti-racist lens. These resources discuss how teachers have made necessary changes, how students respond to this richer view of history, and why these conversations are essential for children and young people.
Truth-telling is vital to a functioning democracy, even if it is painful. Unfortunately, that is becoming more difficult in our classrooms as more states pass bills banning Critical Race Theory in schools. Because educators are barred from talking openly about the impact of systemic racism, sexism, and homophobia, they must choose between failing to teach their students basic facts about American history and potential legal consequences that could end their careers.
We continued to learn about the backlash against Critical Race Theory as a symptom of our unwillingness to talk about or acknowledge racism. For our country to heal, we need to be willing to have difficult conversations about the harm systemic oppression has done and is continuing to do to people of color.
Now that we’ve learned from and listened to the challenge, let’s discuss and take further action.
- Did you listen to the Kimberlé Crenshaw podcast, a founder of the CRT movement, explain the meaning of CRT and how it became a political flashpoint in schools and beyond?
- What did you think about the Latino scholars’ contributions to CRT?
- What did you take away from CRT scholar Professor Khiara M. Bridges’ video dispelling commonly repeated untruths about CRT?
- Did you listen to YWCA South Florida’s President & CEO Kerry Anne Royes’s response to the Miami Herald’s question about Critical Race Theory?
Let’s talk more about critical race theory:
Join our dedicated Stand Against Racism Challenge Facebook Group.
Watch for more information about our Beyond 21 initiative, beginning soon, allowing you to delve even deeper into conversations and further vital discussions about racism and social justice. We’ll continue to explore how racial and social injustices have impacted our community and discuss ways to dismantle them.
UP NEXT:
Beyond 21
Together, with our presenting partner, the Miami Dolphins’ Football UNITES program, YWCA South Florida is building a community of associations, corporations, companies, organizations, nonprofits, charities, and individuals who will commit to advocating for racial justice.
