Critical Race Theory Is in Schools? The Dismissal of a Black Male Educator (Poster 3)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Two
  In Poster Session: Teachers and School Leaders: Realities and Complexities in Today's Educational System

Abstract

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is at the center of K-12 education discourse across the country as conservative backlash mounts against social justice topics. Gaining insight into the widespread attacks on educators is timely as we witness repercussions on educators from censorship legislation. This paper examines the illuminating case of Dr. James Whitfield’s firing (a Black principal in the Dallas, Texas area) for allegedly teaching CRT (Bella, 2021). Throughout this case study, CRT is utilized in analyzing public-facing school information (school board meetings), informing a Critical Policy Analysis (CPA) of Texas education censorship policies (House Bill 3979; Senate Bill 3), and bridging this case towards the greater counternarrative for having social justice topics present in the K-12 space.

Author

• CJ Greer, University of Wisconsin - Madison
  Presenting Author