Chapter 1: Introduction: Race, Racism, and Critical Race Theory

Critical race theory (CRT) is one of the most controversial topics in contemporary conversation in the field of education today. Just the mention of CRT in many social circles turns friendly chats into political debates and awkward uncertainties with regards to future cordial relationships among acquaintances. There is also an apparent growth of legislative bans on CRT in K-12 schools. What is it? What makes CRT too contentious as a topic especially in the K-12 world and yet, hailed as the “most exciting development in contemporary legal studies” by Cornel West (1993), author of two book bestsellers, namely, Race Matters and Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism. Commonly a topic of huge interest in education graduate studies and doctoral dissertations, CRT also continues to be acknowledged as the analytical tool that provides compelling accounts for educational disparities based on race by many graduate students and practicing educators, teacher leaders, administrators, researchers, and policymakers (Crenshaw, Gotanda, Peller, & Thomas, 1995; Ladson-Billings, 2021; Taylor, Gillborn, & Ladson-Billings, 2016).