Critical Race Theory Essay

How has Critical Race theory shaped society's views of racial topics? Critical race theory (CRT) examines how race and racism are embedded in society and perpetuate inequalities for people of color. CRT emerged in the 1970s from the earlier work of civil rights scholars and activists who recognized that significant advances made in the 1960s, such as school desegregation and voting rights legislation, had stalled and substantial racial disparities remained. CRT argues that while overt individual racism has declined, institutional and structural racism still serves to privilege white people and limit opportunities for minorities, especially in key areas like education and economics. Educational inequities start early, with students of color

For instance, she highlights studies critiquing the lack of diversity and white-centered frameworks in artificial intelligence. Lin offers suggestions for initiating anti-racist reforms tailored to each domain. She concludes by advocating for broader CRT engagement across disciplines and departments to pursue necessary structural changes. Lin provides a valuable model for understanding CRT's versatility in unveiling racism across higher education. Her analysis underscores the need to utilize CRT insights beyond traditional boundaries. The insights of critical race theory (CRT) are invaluable for advancing racial equity, and schools have a responsibility to integrate CRT into teaching and learning. As Judith C.P. Lin demonstrates in her article, racism adapts insidiously across institutions, hiding behind specialized language and practices that obscure structural discrimination. CRT serves as a powerful lens for exposing this "chameleon-like" racism, no matter the setting. Rather than avoid candid discussions of racism because they are uncomfortable, schools must lean into the discomfort. Openly teaching students about historical injustice, privilege, implicit bias, and systemic oppression is essential for creating a just society. Avoiding CRT means students lack the tools to recognize racism's evolving manifestations. Integrating CRT across disciplines provides students with the knowledge to challenge assumptions, disrupt inequities, and imagine radical alternatives. Critics argue CRT indoctrinates guilt or victimhood, but candid analyses of injustice need not do so. Instead, CRT equips students to think critically about their positions and capacities. Schools should ensure all students understand racism's roots in American society and institutions. Suppressing or ignoring CRT sustains racism. To pursue racial