Upholding Whiteness Through Legislation: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Attempts to Ban Critical Race Theory

• In Event: From Critical Race Theory Bans to Automatic Admissions: Examining Equity Outcomes of Policy Decisions

Abstract

Despite the utility of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in addressing inequity, controversy has led legislators in 42 states to attempt curricular bans on so-called divisive frameworks such as CRT and race-related concepts. The authors of this study analyzed the discourse used by policymakers to limit discussions of race to reveal how policy can uphold ideologies of whiteness. Through a sociocognitive approach of critical discourse analysis, the authors analyzed legislative documents from 42 states to connect discourse, cognition, and social domination. Findings revealed discursive frames of discussions of racism as an individual attack as well as attempts to silence discussions of systemic oppression. This analysis of CRT bans explored how whiteness is naturalized through policy as a means to disrupt it.

Authors

• Veronica Adele Jones, University of North Texas
  Presenting Author

• Kaleb L. Briscoe, Mississippi State University
  Presenting Author