Critical Race Theory in Education

Critical race theory (CRT) focuses on a critical examination and analysis of race, law and power. CRT's two main premises include (1) that white supremacy and whiteness as property are foundational to U.S. legal practices and the system itself and (2) that the notion of colorblindness is counterproductive to achieving racial emancipation. CRT contends that racism is engrained in the fabric of American society, emphasizing institutional racism rather than individual racism. White privilege, according to CRT, perpetuates the marginalization of people of color and must be recognized before any progress is made in the realm of racial equality.

CRT scholars, including Kimberle Crenshaw, Richard Delgado, Neil Gotanda, Mari Matsuda, Gary Peller, and Kendall Thomas, are committed to connecting their professional work to social struggle, specifically within ...